The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel (Air Corps) John Riley Kane, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry in action and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty Headquarters, 98th Bombardment Group (H), Ninth Air Force in action on 1 August 1943. On this date Colonel Kane led the third element of heavy bombardment aircraft in a mass low-level bombing attack against the vitally important enemy target of the Ploesti oil refineries in Rumania. En route to the target, which necessitated a round-trip flight of over 2,400 miles, Colonel Kane’s element became separated from the leading portion of the massed formation in avoiding dense and dangerous cumulous cloud conditions over mountainous terrain. Rather than turn back from such a vital mission he elected to proceed to his target. Upon arrival at the target area it was discovered that another group had apparently missed its target and had previously attacked and damaged the target assigned to Colonel Kane’s element. Despite the thoroughly warned defenses, the intensive anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighter airplanes, extreme hazards on a low-level attack of exploding delayed action bombs from the previous element, of oil fires and explosions and dense smoke over the target area, Colonel Kane elected to lead his formation into the attack. By his gallant courage, brilliant leadership, and superior flying skill, he and the formation under his command successfully attacked this vast refinery so essential to our enemies’ war effort. Through his conspicuous gallantry in this most hazardous action against the enemy, and by his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Colonel Kane personally contributed vitally to the success of this daring mission and thereby rendered most distinguished service in the furtherance of the defeat of our enemies.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
98th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
December 28, 1942 – 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) John Riley Kane (ASN: 0-298454), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding officer of the 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, from 28 December 1942 to 1944. Under his direction the 98th Bombardment Group had rendered vital strategic support to the British EIGHTY Army in its successful North Africa campaign, which included operations against enemy installations in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and against enemy supply ships on the high seas. These operations were conducted despite intense antiaircraft fire, strong fighter oppositions by enemy aircraft, and adverse weather conditions. By his courage, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership, Colonel Kane has maintained his group at a high state of efficiency, and distinguished himself by his personal leadership in frequent aerial flights, as well as by his outstanding service in the preparation and conduct of the successful operations of his organization.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
98th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction 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 Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) John Riley Kane, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Kane and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
98th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
December 4, 1942
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) John Riley Kane, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a B-24 Bomber, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, while commanding and leading the bombing attack on Naples Harbor and port installations on the night of 4 December 1942. This raid resulted in the confirmed destruction of a large number of enemy naval and supply facilities so badly needed by the enemy to supply his troops in North Africa. This was the first attack by U.S. Army Air Force aircraft based in Africa on Italian home territory. The careful planning as well as the meritorious performance of the mission in spite of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon the ability, leadership and personal courage of Lieutenant Colonel Kane.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
98th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
September 16, 1942
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 38 (May 4, 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 Colonel (Air Corps) John Riley Kane (ASN: 0-298454), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while participating in aerial flight on a bombing mission in the Middle East Theater of Operations, on September 16, 1942. On this date while serving as pilot of a four-engine bombardment aircraft on a hazardous mission against the enemy his plane became separated from all other aircraft in his formation in making a second run on an important target. When separated his aircraft was attacked by an enemy pursuit ship from the rear. Although the tail turret and top turret of the bomber became inoperative, Colonel Kane so successfully maneuvered his aircraft as to out-maneuver the attacking enemy ME-110 through eight different attacks as to force the attacking plane to exhaust all its ammunition and to eventually break-off its attack without any appreciable damage being suffered by his own aircraft. In this gallant action against the enemy Colonel Kane has demonstrated great courage, resourcefulness and outstanding airmanship.