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 (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane with the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Force. On the morning of 1 March 1942, Captain Kruzel was engaged in a strafing mission on the Japanese landing forces at Membang, Java, when his engine sustained a direct hit from a large caliber shell. Despite this, and through the heavy anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home an attack on these anti-aircraft batteries, and strafed and sunk barges which were loaded with men and material. After he had exhausted his ammunition he piloted his plane back to the home base in spite of the severe damage that had been done to it by enemy fire. He was able to do this by sheer determination to complete a task no matter what obstacles were placed in the way. As a result of these gallant actions Captain Kruzel inflicted considerable damage on the enemy and was an inspiration to all of the men of the squadron.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional)Regiment:
24th Pursuit GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (October 12, 1942)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kruzel, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional)Regiment:
24th Pursuit GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 11 (September 30, 1942)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kruzel, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 4, 1969 – July 31, 1970
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-553 (July 9, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Kruzel distinguished himself as Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 4 August 1969 to 31 July 1970. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership, and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Kruzel resulted in significant contributions to the combat capability of the United States Air Force, and to the furtherance of United States and Free World objectives. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kruzel culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and 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:
Major (Air Corps)Regiment:
361st Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), 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 as a Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional)Regiment:
24th Pursuit GroupDivision:
Far East Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.