Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    8th Bombardment Squadron (L-NI)

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1951

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 146 (March 24, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant William Derral Mulkins (AFSN: AO-931508), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Navigator of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L-NI), 3d Bombardment Group (Light) on 14 September 1951 over an area north of Wonsan, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Mulkins flew on a mission to develop highly specialized tactics in attacking enemy communications, troop concentrations, supply dumps and other targets. A call was heard requesting aid in attacking an enemy train which had been stopped. Lieutenant Mulkins skillfully furnished his pilot with the coordinates of their position which were relayed to another aircraft coming to their aid. The two aircraft made rendezvous in minimum time. Lieutenant Mulkins’ aircraft then made a low level pass over the train, illuminating it for the attack. On the pass, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and an explosion was observed. It then continued in straight flight for approximately two miles when it crashed into a mountainside. Lieutenant Mulkins’ accurate plotting of both positions of his aircraft and that of the target resulted in an excellent strike on vital cargo. As a result, a telling blow denied the enemy critically needed rolling stock, and contributed invaluably toward reducing his war potential. Lieutenant Mulkins’ skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.