Navy Federal Credit Union

Darr Alkire was shot down and captured during an Air Mission over Europe on January 31, 1944, and was held as a prisoner of war until his release in April 1945. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1956 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    449th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1944

    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 275 (April 24, 1944)

    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) Darr Hayes Alkire (AFSN: 298A/ASN: 0-16639), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Group Commander, formation leader, and Pilot of a B-24 type aircraft the 449th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in the Mediterranean Theater of Action. On 31 January 1944, Colonel Alkire led his formation on a bombing mission against an enemy airdrome in Italy. Through his exceptional leadership, the bombing run was an example of exceptional coordination between pilot and bombardier in the face of heavy, intense and very accurate flak, and resulted in the successful smashing of the assigned target. although the opposition was intense, Colonel Alkire did not turn nor waver, and grave damage was inflicted on hangars, installations, and administration and quarters buildings. Immediately after the bombs were away, Colonel Alkire’s plane was hit by a burst of flak. His plane was observed to make a turn in an opposite direction, and, from the standpoint of the remaining planes it was obvious that Colonel Alkire had relinquished leadership thereby giving the deputy group leader an opportunity to take control of the leaderless group and to conduct them back to the base in safety. By his flying skill and gallant leadership, Colonel Alkire reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    Far East Air Forces

    Action Date:

    July – November 1950

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 135 (December 14, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Darr H. Alkire (AFSN: 298A/0-16639), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Deputy for Materiel, FAR EAST Air Forces, in Korea, during the period July through November 1950. General Alkire was charged with assuring the constant and uninterrupted flow of materiel and the development of air bases to insure full Air Force effectiveness. By virtue of frequent visits to the most forward airfields, and both ground and aerial surveys of the combat area, General Alkire was able to fulfill his responsibilities and also complete plans for the earliest possible utilization of advanced airfields after their liberation. During these actions he was constantly subject to enemy and ground attack. The judgment, initiative, and devotion to duty shown by General Alkire materially contributed to the success of the United States Air Force and were in keeping with the highest military traditions.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1944 – April 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 15857

    Colonel (Air Corps) Darr Hayes Alkire (AFSN: 298A/ASN: 0-16639), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down over enemy-occupied Europe on 31 January 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control in April 1945.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    June 27, 1950 to June 1, 1952

    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 27 (June 20, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Brigadier General Darr Hayes Alkire (AFSN: 298A/ASN: 0-16639), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Deputy Chief of Staff for Materiel, Far East Air Forces, during the period 27 June 1950 to 1 June 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Alkire, and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.