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 Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Ralph Bridges Bagby, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 88th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Tailly, France, 2 November 1918. Lieutenant Bagby and First Lieutenant Louis G. Bernheimer, pilot, on their own initiative went on a reconnaissance mission, flying 50 kilometers behind the German lines, securing valuable information as to the condition of the bridges across the Meuse River and enemy activity in the back areas and also harassing enemy troops.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Ralph Bridges Bagby, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving in connection with Airborne Infantry elements at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    88th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 20, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Air Service) Ralph B. Bagby, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Bagby distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 88th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, 20 October 1918, in voluntarily going on a mission of vital importance.