Navy Federal Credit Union

Captain Gilliland was credited with destroying two enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II, both victories coming on the day he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. He was killed in action on March 29, 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    383d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    364th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 8, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (May 19, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Leown Argene Gilliland (ASN: 0-495959), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 383d Fighter Squadron, 364th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 March 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date as Captain Gilliland shot down two enemy aircraft. Captain Gilliland’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.