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Joseph
J.
Slater
KIA (WWII)
1923

–

1944-03-29

Born:

Dudley

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Cohees

, 

New York

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

Pilot William Francis’ bomber was shot down on a bombing mission over Eten Island, and all crew members were missing in action and subsequently declared killed in action. In addition to the pilot, Joseph Slater (Co-Pilot) and Robert Bjornholm (Bombardier) were awarded posthumous Silver Stars.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    424th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    307th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 29, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1158 (July 31, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph J. Slater (ASN: 0-748819), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 424th Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 29 March 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Slater, 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.