Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    551st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    385th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 13, 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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edwin Ross Herron (ASN: 0-804332), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 551st Bombardment Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 February 13, 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, First Lieutenant Herron was engaged in a mission to attack a No-Ball V-weapon site near Calais. A direct flak hit wounded several crew members and put two engines out of action. Struggling back home, his B-17 was forced to ditch into the Channel and Lieutenant Herron pulled six of his crew from the sinking aircraft. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Herron on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.