Navy Federal Credit Union

John Heard was a member of the air crew of a Flying Fortress piloted by Rush E. McDonald, that was shot down with the loss of all nine men in 1942. He and his eight comrades were each awarded posthumous Silver Stars, and the pilot was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    26th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 4, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 27 (January 21, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) John J. Heard, Jr. (ASN: 0-433843), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 26th Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations over Tulagi in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 4 August 1942. As part of a three-bomber formation, Second Lieutenant Heard, as a member of the crew of a plane in a three-bomber formation, proceeded on a mission to bomb enemy installations in the Tulagi area. As the flight approached the target it was attacked by seven float-type Zero fighters, the first of which was shot down. A second enemy fighter was hit heavily, broke into flams, and crashed into the bomber carrying Second Lieutenant Heard. It exploded and fell into the sea with the enemy plane, carrying with it the entire crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Heard, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.