(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Keith Karl Compton (ASN: 0-22545), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Director of Operations and subsequently as Chief of Staff, Strategic Air Command, from 1961 to 1964. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Compton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
376th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Keith Karl Compton, 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-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), during bombing missions in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Keith Karl Compton, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Compton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
376th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Keith Karl Compton, 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-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), during bombing missions in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Keith Karl Compton, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Compton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
376th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
August 1, 1943
Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 81 (August 30, 1943)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 Colonel (Air Corps) Keith Karl Compton (ASN: 0-22545), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. Colonel Compton flew the lead airplane of the entire force of American heavy bombardment aircraft that attacked Ploesti on 1 August, 1943. In this operation, one of the longest mass bombing flights and one of the most daring low-level attacks in aviation history, Colonel Compton coolly and courageously maneuvered his force at tree-top level and in the face of blazing anti-aircraft fire and balloon barrages to a position from which it could bomb the target successfully. Colonel Compton’s action in this perilous situation was one of utmost heroism and superb airmanship. His personal courage and zealous devotion to duty have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.