Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Morgan served as Pilot of the famed B-17 “Memphis Belle” from September 1942 to May 1943.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    869th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    497th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    21st Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert K. Morgan (ASN: 0-430609), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 869th Bombardment Squadron, 497th Bombardment Group, TWENTY-FIRST Air Force, during World War II. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    91st Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1943

    Headquarters, Eighth Air Force, General Orders No. 66 (May 31, 1943)

    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 (Air Corps) Robert K. Morgan (ASN: 0-430609), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane, 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on twenty-five bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, Captain Morgan has materially aided in the success of each of the twenty-five missions and his actions are an inspiring example for his fellow flyers. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Captain Morgan on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    869th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    497th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    21st Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1944

    Headquarters, XXI Bomber Command, General Orders No. 90 (May 19, 1945)

    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 (Air Corps) Robert K. Morgan (ASN: 0-430609), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Airplane Commander and Squadron Leader, 869th Bombardment Squadron, 497th Bombardment Group, TWENTY-FIRST Air Force, on 18 December 1944. Flying in the lead ship of the formation, Colonel Morgan successfully led his squadron of B-29 aircraft to a vital target on the Japanese mainland. Heavy fighter attacks and anti-aircraft fire were encountered. Because of bad weather the approach to the target and the bomb run were made by instruments. A momentary break in the clouds permitted last minute visual corrections and the bombs were released on the target causing extensive damage to a vital link in the enemy’s aircraft production program. The professional skill and leadership displayed by Colonel Morgan reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.