Navy Federal Credit Union

John “Jack” Jerstad had completed more than his tour of missions and was no longer directly connected with the 93rd Bomb Group by July 1943, however when he heard of the upcoming low-level bombing mission against the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, he volunteered to lead a formation. He was one of five men (and one of three posthumous awards) to received the Medal of Honor for actions in the historic August 1, 1943, low-level bombing mission against Ploesti.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    93d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    War Department, General Orders No. 72, October 28, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) John Louis Jerstad (ASN: 0-435784), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Headquarters, 93d Bombardment Group (H), Ninth Air Force (Detached from the Eighth air Force) in action on 1 August 1943. Major Jerstad served as pilot of the lead aircraft in his group in a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Although he had completed more than his share of missions and was no longer connected with this group, so high was his conception of duty that he volunteered to lead the formation in the correct belief that his participation would contribute materially to success in this attack. Major Jerstad led the formation into attack with full realization of the extreme hazards involved and despite withering fire from heavy and light anti-aircraft guns. Three miles from the target his airplane was hit, badly damaged, and set on fire. Ignoring the fact that he was flying over a field suitable for a forced landing, he kept on the course. After the bombs of his aircraft were released on the target, the fire in his ship became so intense as to make further progress impossible and he crashed into the target area. By his voluntary acceptance of a mission he knew was extremely hazardous, and his assumption of an intrepid course of action at the risk of life over and above the call of duty, Major Jerstad set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    328th Bomb Squadron

    Regiment:

    93d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 17, 1943

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 74 (June 12, 1943)

    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 (Air Corps) John Louis Jerstad (ASN: 0-435784), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a B-24 Bomber Pilot with the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while leading his Group on a bombardment mission over enemy-occupied territory, 17 May 1943. Major Jerstad directed this mission, one of the longest accomplished in this Theater, from his position as Pilot of the leading airplane. Displaying exceptional courage and leadership, Major Jerstad skillfully maneuvered his Group through concentrations of anti-aircraft fire to successfully bomb the objective without the loss of an airplane. The courage, skill and leadership displayed by Major Jerstad on this occasion are an inspiration to all members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.