Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Raphael
Ahern

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    March 30 – April 7, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Raphael Ahern (MCSN: 0-14500), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 30 March to 7 April 1944. Captain Ahern completed forty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 11 – 21, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Raphael Ahern (MCSN: 0-14500), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 11 January 1944 to 21 January 1944. Captain Ahern completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    January 9, 1952
    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 4195 (April 5, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Raphael Ahern (MCSN: 0-14500), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 9 January 1952. Major Ahern, leader of the second division of an eight-plane flight of F-4U’s was directed by an airborne controller to attack a group of four artillery positions near the town of Ando-ni. Despite intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft and ground fire, Major Ahern maneuvered his division into position and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led them on two expertly executed dive bombing runs. He was observed by the airborne controller to have scored a direct hit on his first run and was directly responsible for destroying an enemy artillery piece and damaging a third. Major Ahern’s efficient action, courageous leadership and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.