During World War II, Kenneth Martin became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he was himself shot down, captured, and interned as a Prisoner of War. Severely injured in a head-on crash with a German Me-109 on February 11, 1944, following the victory that made him an ACE, he was captured and interrogated even while suffering from several broken bones. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1950.
Sponsored by:
Kenneth
Ray
Martin
POW (WWII) Escapee
July 17, 1916
–
December 15, 1998
Born:
Lees Summit
,
Missouri
Home:
Kansas City
,
Missouri
Buried:
Kansas City
,
Missouri
Cemetery:
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 11 (January 13, 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 Colonel (Air Corps) Kenneth Ray Martin (ASN: 0-21608), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 354th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Colonel Martin by personal leadership in the air, soundness of judgment and aggressiveness, has set an example for the other pilots of his unit, resulting in the fighter group under his command reaching the highest degree of combat effectiveness. Displaying skill and technique that has resulted in personal credit for more than two aircraft, after engaging in operations for a relative short period of time, this officer has, through his distinguished leadership and personal example, inspired the pilots of his command to outstanding success in the destruction of Axis aircraft attempting to penetrate the fighter screen over our heavy bombardment aircraft operating against Germany. Colonel Martin’s conduct in combat serves not only as the highest example to the pilots of his command, but is worthy of emulation throughout the entire Army Air Forces.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
February 11, 1944
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 100 (April 15, 1944)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 Colonel (Air Corps) Kenneth Ray Martin (ASN: 0-21608), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 354th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations, having destroyed his fifth enemy aircraft on 11 February 1944. 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.
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
February 11, 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 24 (April 17, 1944)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 Colonel (Air Corps) Kenneth Ray Martin (ASN: 0-21608), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 February 1944. Colonel Martin led a formation of fighter airplanes in escort of a large bomber formation attacking a highly important and exceedingly well-defended target. He was flying an airplane equipped with a conspicuous blister type canopy, which clearly distinguished it from the other airplanes in the formation, attracted the concentrated attacks of the persistent and determined enemy fighter interceptors. Displaying utter thoughtlessness of self, Colonel Martin directed his forces to give the maximum defense to the bomber formation, while he himself suffered simultaneous attack from eight Me-410 intercepting fighter aircraft. In this encounter Colonel Martin destroyed one enemy airplane. While regaining altitude, after having driven off an enemy fighter airplane, Colonel Martin engaged another Me-410 head-on, against superior fire power, with no regard for his personal safety, and flew his airplane into the enemy interceptor. Colonel Martin’s heroic and fearless behavior in the face of great odds and his determination to fulfill his assigned task were an inspiration to all members of his group and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
Prisoner of WarAction Date:
February 11, 1944 – Escaped 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 33896Colonel (Air Corps) Kenneth Ray Martin (ASN: 0-21608), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he had a head-on collision with a German Me-109 near Frankfurt, Germany. He was held as a Prisoner of War until his successful escape from captivity in 1945 during a forced march from Nurnberg to Munich.