The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . Flying as Bombardier-Navigator of a medium bomber, he completed over 200 hours of combat operations against the enemy in China, Indo-China, and Burma between 2 March 1943 to 6 September 1943. Poorly mapped mountainous terrain and adverse weather frequently were hazards with which he had to contend. On many of his missions he encountered enemy fire from hostile aircraft and ground defenses. Despite these dangers, he inflicted heavy damage to the enemy, destroying his installations, shipping, personnel, and equipment. The accomplishments of Captain Shirlaw reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Army Air Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant]Division:
14th Air ForceAction Date:
March 13, 1944
Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 92 (December 4, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Ronald Duwaine Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of the lead aircraft of a flight of four medium bombers of the FOURTEENTH Air Force that attacked an enemy airdrome on 13 March 1944. On the way to the target they were separated from a companion flight, which arrived first and carried out their portion of the attack. The enemy was completely alerted when this flight arrived and heavy opposition from ground batteries and hostile aircraft was encountered. As they entered their bomb run two explosive shells struck the nose of the plane, slightly wounding the pilot and seriously wounding the bombardier. Nevertheless, the pilot pressed the attack and the bombardier, despite the pain and loss of blood from his wound, remained at his bombsight and directed the bombing run over the target. All bombs struck the target area, causing heavy losses to the enemy. Damage to the aircraft made landing at the home base difficult, but the pilot, despite his wounds, executed a skillful landing without further injury to the crew. Approximately 300 bullets and flak fragments penetrated the aircraft during this mission. The gallantry displayed by Captain Shirlaw in carrying out this mission despite overwhelming enemy resistance and personal injuries reflect great credit on his personal records and the Army Air Forces.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Korean War)Action Date:
April 3, 1951 – September 2, 1953
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Air Force, for meritorious service to the United States from 3 April 1951 to 2 September 1953 while a prisoner of war in North Korea. Although subject to extreme privation, meager rations, forced marches, incessant interrogations, brutal beatings, sadistic torture, long periods of solitary confinement and threatened execution, Major Shirlaw, by his indomitable courage and resolute resistance completely defeated any attempt of the North Koreans and Chinese Communists to obtain security information they desired. His exemplary conduct and unequivocal conviction that the forces of freedom would ultimately prevail over an enemy ruthlessly avowed to destroy the independence of mankind, encouraged and inspired other prisoners to resist the insidious demands of their captors. By his outstanding leadership, heroic self-sacrifice and ceaseless opposition to the North Koreans and Chinese Communists, Major Shirlaw has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Division:
14th Air ForceAction Date:
September 6, 1943 – April 22, 1944
Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 55 (July 6, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Between 6 September 1943 and 22 April 1944 he completed 199 hours of combat flight as a Medium Bomber Pilot against the enemy in China, Indo-China, and Burma, bringing his total combat time to 407 hours. On 2 March 1944 he demonstrated outstanding courage and superior flying skill on a mission against enemy shipping. When making a bombing run on an enemy vessel, his plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire which riddled the right main fuel tanks and destroyed a cylinder head in one engine. He flew back toward an advance friendly base but when he was unable to locate it because of poor visibility and lack of radio contact he ordered the crew to bail out, as the remaining fuel was extremely low. One crew member reported his parachute had been torn on the flight and he was unable to bail out. Captain Shirlaw informed the crew that in view of that circumstance he would attempt a crash landing, and all crew members, showing supreme confidence in Captain Shirlaw’s ability, elected to remain in the plane. He brought the bomber through precipitous hills to a safe landing in a small clearing without injury to his crew and with minimum damage to the aircraft. This display of skill and courage typified his deeds which are consonant with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
Prisoner of War (Korean War)Action Date:
April 3, 1951 – September 3, 1953
NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954Major Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Air Force, was captured by communist forces after he was shot down over North Korea, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 3 September 1953, during Operation Big Switch at the end of the war.