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Magnus
V.
Francis
DNB (1948)
1918

–

December 3, 1948

Born:

Vallejo

, 

California

Home:

Vallejo

, 

California

During World War II, Magnus Francis became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He died in the crash of a C-47, 25 miles east of Muroc Air Force Base, California, in 1948.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Magnus V. Francis (ASN: 0-663032), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 314 (October 20, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Magnus V. Francis (ASN: 0-663032), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Francis, 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.