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Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
Paul
Elias
KIA (WWII)
June 1, 1919

–

September 2, 1942

Born:

Spartanburg

, 

South Carolina

Home:

Spartanburg

, 

South Carolina

Buried: 

Spartanburg

, 

South Carolina

Cemetery:

West Oakwood Cemetery

Henry Elias was credited with destroying 4 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, including 1 on the day of his death. After he and others destroyed some enemy riverboats, he engaged 4 Zeroes, was shot down, bailed out, and was killed by being strafed by the Japanese pilots.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1942
    Headquarters, China Air Task Force, General Orders No. 5 (September 8, 1942)

    (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) Henry Paul Elias (ASN: 0-406723), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane in the 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, on or about 2 September 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Elias, 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.