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 Captain (Air Corps) Charles Pershing London (ASN: 0-421260), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 83d Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while leading flights of fighter airplanes against enemy forces over continental Europe from 22 June 1943 through 30 July 1943. On 22 June 1943 and on 14 July 1943, he fearlessly and without regard for his personal safety led his flight to attack greatly superior numbers of enemy fighter aircraft which were attacking a damaged bomber. In these attacks Captain London destroyed one and damaged two enemy aircraft, and dispersed the enemy formations. On 29 June 1943, while flying cover over a bomber formation, Captain London led his flight to attack greatly superior numbers of enemy fighters. On this occasion Captain London destroyed two enemy aircraft and dispersed the enemy formation. On 30 July 1943, Captain London again attacked a superior force of enemy aircraft, destroyed two and broke up the enemy formation. His aggressive spirit and courage have been an inspiration to his fellow pilots and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
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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 Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
83d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
78th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Charles Pershing London (ASN: 0-421260), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 83d Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
83d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
78th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Charles Pershing London (ASN: 0-421260), 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 while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 83d Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces 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.