Navy Federal Credit Union

Louis Sebille flew B-26 bombers in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He returned to combat in the Korean War as an F-51 fighter pilot, earning the Medal of Honor. He was the FIRST member of the U.S. Air Force to earn the Medal of Honor, and was one of four members of the new U.S. Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 5, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Major Louis Joseph Sebille (AFSN: 6663A), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Pilot of an F-51` Mustang Figher-Bomber of the 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force in action against enemy forces near Hanchang, Korea. During an attack on a camouflaged area containing a concentration of enemy troops, artillery, and armored vehicles, Major Sebille’s F-51 aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Although fully cognizant of the short period he could remain airborne, he deliberately ignored the possibility of survival by abandoning the aircraft or by crash landing, and continued his attack against the enemy forces threatening the security of friendly ground troops. In his determination to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy, Major Sebille again exposed himself to the intense fire of enemy gun batteries and dived on the target to his death. The superior leadership, daring, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed in the execution of an extremely dangerous mission were an inspiration to both his subordinates and superiors and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the U.S. Air Force, and the armed forces of the United Nations.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    450th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    322d Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 120 (July 1, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Louis Joseph Sebille (AFSN: 6663A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Marauder Bomber, 450th Bombardment Squadron, 322d Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    450th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    322d Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, IX Bomber Command, General Orders No. 64 (November 29, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Louis Joseph Sebille (AFSN: 6663A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Marauder Bomber, 450th Bombardment Squadron, 322d Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.