The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John William Edenbo (AFSN: 7161A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-29 Bomber of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in action on 19 July 1950, in Korea, by pressing home a bombing attack on the west railroad bridge at Seoul, Korea. As the lone bomber aircraft was committed to the bomb run it was subjected to repeated and determined attacks by enemy fighters attempting to defend the target, an important link in the supply routes of the aggressor forces. On the third of these attacks, an enemy YAK-9 inflicted damage on the B-29 and wounded Captain Edenbo. Although bleeding profusely about the face, neck and hands, he refused a sedative for relief of his pain and directed the bombardier to continue the bomb run. Thirty seconds from the bomb release point, anti-aircraft fire was encountered. In spite of the strong defense by the enemy and without regard for his own wounds, Captain Edenbo persisted in the attack which resulted in direct hits on the bridge. The gallantry and courage of Captain Edenbo in the face of determined resistance and despite his painful wounds, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
30th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
19th Bombardment Group (M)Division:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
September 10, 1950
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John William Edenbo (AFSN: 7161A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 10 September 1950, as Aircraft Commander of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, on a Razon mission. On his fourth bomb run under heavy antiaircraft fire, the aircraft received a direct hit, which blew a gaping hole between the number two engine and the fuselage. The number two engine was feathered because of damage. Fuel from the ruptured wing tank saturated the surface of the fuselage and wing, and flowed into the open bomb bay. All electrical equipment was immediately turned off and Major Edenbo, in spite of the damage, remained in the area to continue his bombing. Because of gas fumes in the bomb bay and the danger of explosion from using the electrically operated racks, he was forced to abandon the mission and proceed to his home base, where a successful landing was accomplished. The courage, cool thinking, and airmanship displayed by Major Edenbo reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
30th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
19th Bombardment Group (M)Division:
5th Air Force
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain John William Edenbo (AFSN: 7161A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in Korea. The courage, cool thinking, and airmanship displayed by Major Edenbo reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.