The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Jack D. Dale (ASN: 0-401140/4176A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 35th Fighter Interceptor Group from 7 September 1950 to 15 February 1951. Colonel Dale demonstrated exceptional ability in organizing and molding his command into a superior fighter group. He is credited personally with the damage and destruction of a tremendous volume of enemy material, installations, and troops. Although handicapped by three complete moves within a period of two months and seemingly insurmountable maintenance, supply and operational problems, Colonel Dale’s group maintained an enviable operational record. A typical example of his leadership was the prompt and efficient manner in which his Group converted from F-80 to F-51 type aircraft within a period of thirty days while operating from an advance base in Korea. Through his tireless efforts, tactical experience, and devotion to duty, Colonel Dale contributed immeasurably to the destruction of the enemy in Korea and brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Lieutenant Colonel Jack D. Dale (ASN: 0-401140/4176A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy territory in support of the United Nations efforts in the Korean War on 20 October 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Dale distinguished himself while leading a flight on a close support mission for a paradrop to the Suchon area. Instrument flying weather prevailed for a major portion of the flight to the target area. On reaching the drop area, Lieutenant Colonel Dale encountered accurate flak from 20-mm. anti-aircraft guns. Disregarding the flak and enemy small arms fire, he led his flight to devastating passes on the enemy positions with napalm, rockets and .50 caliber machine guns. He personally destroyed three 20-mm. anti-aircraft guns and annihilated an estimated one hundred enemy troops. As a direct result of these aerial attacks, our friendly forces were able to advance to capture Suchon. The flying skill, aggressiveness and leadership he displayed in carrying out this extremely dangerous mission reflects utmost credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 70 (August 6, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Jack D. Dale (ASN: 0-401140/4176A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Colonel Dale has sought out the enemy and engaged 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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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
17th Pursuit SquadronRegiment:
24th Pursuit GroupDivision:
Far East Air ForceAction Date:
December 10, 1941
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 48 (December 21, 1941)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jack Delmar Dale, Jr. (ASN: 0-401140/4176A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in action near Vigan, Ilocos Norte, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1941. Into a concentration of anti-aircraft fire from cruisers and several destroyers, submarines and other armed enemy craft, Lieutenant Dale led his flight in repeated attacks which entirely disrupted a strong landing effort by the Japanese forces. His exhibition of courageous leadership and of unflinching devotion to duty in the face of great odds resulted not only in the silencing of three anti-aircraft guns and the destruction of numerous barges with a consequent high toll among the invaders, but in providing inspiration to pilots and other personnel. Second Lieutenant Dale’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, 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 SquadronRegiment:
24th Pursuit GroupDivision:
Far East Air ForceAction Date:
February 25, 1942
Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 27 (July 11, 1942)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) Jack D. Dale (ASN: 0-401140/4176A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Force. On the morning of 25 February 1942, Captain Dale was the leader of a flight which was acting as fighter escort for a formation of LB-30’s and A-24’s. The mission was to bomb enemy shipping concentrations in the Straits of Lumbak near Bali. The flight was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force but Captain Dale, by skillful flying and extreme daring was able to shoot down two enemy fighters. This display of personal valor and daring acted as an inspiration to the entire flight, which soon dispersed the enemy fighters and made it possible for our bombers to complete their mission with excellent results. All members of his flight and the bombers that they were protecting returned in safety. The gallantry and determination shown by Captain Dale during this mission were in accord with the finest traditions and highest standards of the United States Army Air Forces.