Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard M. Gramling (ASN: 0-2051766), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations in a medium bomber mission on 9 April 1944. First Lieutenant Gramling was pilot of the second ship in a two-plane formation on a sea sweep mission along the South China coast. A 200-foot enemy vessel was sighted and he sank it with two direct bomb hits. Seven enemy fighter planes attacked the formation, but he, nonetheless, made another bombing and strafing run over a 125-foot tugboat. One engine of his leader’s plane was hot out by the enemy during this action and was in extreme danger from continuing attack by the fighters. The two bombers had become separated in the haze when they began evasive actions. Although First Lieutenant Gramling knew he could escape safely, he circled back at the risk of his own life and the lives of his crew and rejoined his leader’s crippled plane to add the firepower of his ship’s guns against the determined enemy. The running battle lasted nearly half an hour, but finally the enemy pilots were forced to cease their attacks, and both of our bombers reached a friendly base safely. His actions in risking his life for the safety of his endangered comrades reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1943
    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 50 (June 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard M. Gramling (ASN: 0-2051766), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with while serving with the FOURTEENTH Air Force in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. On 27 December 1943 First Lieutenant Richard M. Gramling and First Lieutenant Earle F. Kane distinguished themselves by heroism in risking the dangers of bombing, strafing, fire, and explosives to save a medium bombardment aircraft. The airdrome was attacked by enemy bombers and fighters, and explosive and incendiary bombs fell in the revetments where our planes wee parked. Seeing smoke and fire coming from the revetments, these two officers left cove and proceeded to their aircraft, ignoring the desperate aerial battle in progress overhead and the possibility of being strafed by uninvolved enemy fighters. Drums of aviation gasoline were burning under the wing of one of our parked bombers and nearby were several 500-pound bombs and a quantity of aircraft cannon ammunition. Realizing the plane was in immediate danger of destruction and with no thought to their own safety they entered the plane and taxied it to safety. The heroism displayed by Lieutenants Gramling and Kane in saving the government a valuable piece of equipment is worthy of the best traditions of the American military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 50 (June 13, 1944)

    (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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard M. Gramling (ASN: 0-2051766), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Gramling, 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.