Navy Federal Credit Union

After returning home from service in the Korean War, Zane Amell was killed in an air crash of an F-89 Sabrejet during a routine training flight at Oscoda Air Force Base, Michigan, just two weeks after his Silver Star award was published in General Orders. During the war he was credited with shooting down three enemy MiG-15 aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 11, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 283 (June 11, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Zane S. Amell (ASN: 22706A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber and as Flight Leader of four F-86 type aircraft, 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 11 March 1952. Assigned the mission of protecting Fighter-Bombers, Major Amell and his wingman continued a patrol alone after two aircraft in his flight aborted. Sighting a formation of eight MiG-15 type aircraft letting down for a pass at the Fighter-Bombers, Major Amell immediately attacked, although outnumbered four to one, and destroyed one of the attackers. With his ammunition expended, he then positioned his wingman to continue the attack. His wingman expended his ammunition completely in damaging one of the MiG-15s. Without ammunition, and low on fuel, they were withdrawing when they sighted another formation of six MiG-15s. Major Amell unhesitatingly turned into them as if to attack, and with daring maneuvers, caused the enemy to break up and withdraw without a shot being fired. Through his selfless courage, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Amell reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.