Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Clayton
Lawrence
Bissell
July 29, 1896

–

January 1, 1973

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Clayton Bissell was a graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree in law. After joining the Air Service in World War I he became an ACE and was credited with a total of 6 aerial victories. He also served in the China theater during World War II. He retired in 1950 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commander of the TENTH Air Force in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    148th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 28, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1923)

    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) Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 148th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the vicinity of Jenlain, France, 28 October 1918. While a member of a flight First Lieutenant Bissell was attacked by greatly superior numbers of enemy planes. Lieutenant Bissell, observing an American plane attacked by eight of the enemy, dived into their midst, destroying one plane, whereupon he was set upon by three enemy Fokkers, one of which he shot down, driving the remaining planes to their own lines. His own plane was so badly crippled as to be beyond repair. The outstanding bravery displayed by Lieutenant Bissell greatly inspired the members of his squadron.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    February 1944 – September 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 97 (November 1, 1945)

    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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence on the War Department General Staff from February 1944 to September 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Bissell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General
    War Department, General Orders No. 64 (October 4, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General US Army Air Forces China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, and subsequently as Commanding General 10th Air Force, during the period from August 1942 through August 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Bissell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    September 1945 – January 1946
    War Department, General Orders No. 16 (February 8, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Army member of Joint Security Control and on the Joint Intelligence Committee and the U.S. Army member of the Combined Intelligence Committee, from September 1945 to January 1946. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Bissell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (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 Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (ASN: 0-10474), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the TENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1942. 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.