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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) Arthur Edmund Easterbrook, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 1st Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near St. Mihiel, France, 12 September 1918. Because of intense aerial activity on the opening day of the St. Mihiel offensive, Lieutenant Easterbrook, observer, and Second Lieutenant Ralph E. De Castro, pilot, volunteered to fly over the enemy’s lines on a photographic mission without the usual protection of accompanying planes. Notwithstanding the low-hanging clouds, which necessitated operation at an altitude of only 400 meters, they penetrated 4 kilometers beyond the German lines. Attacked by four enemy machines, they fought off their foes, completed their photographic mission, and returned safely.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    1st Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 116 (1919)

    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 Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Arthur Edmund Easterbrook, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 1st Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Exermont and Varennes, France, 8 October 1918. Lieutenant Easterbrook, with Lieutenant Erwin, pilot, successfully carried out a mission of locating our Infantry, despite five encounters with enemy planes. During these encounters he broke up a formation of three planes, sending one down out of control; killed or wounded an observer in an encounter with another formation; and sent a biplane crashing to the ground, besides driving away a formation of two planes and several single machines.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    November 1941 – January 1944

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Arthur Edmund Easterbrook, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff (A-1), Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command, from November 1941 to January 1944, displayed executive ability of the highest order, which was particularly outstanding during the early growth and vast expansion of the Air Forces Training Program. His foresight and powerful planning resulted in the smooth and efficient transition from moderate peacetime training to the greatly accelerated war-time production of flying crews. With great skill, General Easterbrook organized and coordinated training activities and tirelessly applied himself to personnel problems, effecting the ultimate use of available manpower and rendering exceptionally meritorious services in the war effort.