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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 113th Tactical Fighter Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, from 1 December 1963 to 23 August 1964. In this important assignment, the outstanding technical ability, leadership and initiative consistently demonstrated by General Millikan were instrumental factors in the conception, planning and execution of the first Air National Guard non-stop tactical deployment to Europe. His direction of this deployment known as Operation READY GO, has contributed immeasurably to the defense of the United States and established new dimensions in the scope of Air Guard capabilities and mobility of operation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Millikan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 44 (July 22, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), 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 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 April 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, First Lieutenant Millikan was leading a flight of four fighters on a bomber escort mission over Germany. In the area of Ulzen, Germany, approximately one hundred enemy fighters in three waves attempted to intercept the bombers. Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Lieutenant Millikan immediately led his flight in attack against the first wave, destroyed one and dispersed the others. During this action, one member of Lieutenant Millikan’s flight was lost. Regardless of the enemy superiority he proceeded to intercept the second wave of enemy planes. En route he destroyed an enemy fighter airplane which was attacking a friendly fighter. Reforming his section, he began climbing for altitude to engage the enemy. Observing a friendly fighter being attacked, he viciously engaged the enemy airplane and forced the pilot to bail out after which he once more attacked and dispersed the remaining large flight of enemy planes. By his gallantry and determination to destroy the enemy Lieutenant Millikan rendered conspicuous and valorous service to our nation. First Lieutenant Millikan’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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 42 (May 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and the destruction of two enemy airplanes while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat over enemy occupied Continental Europe 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 31 (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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Lieutenant Millikan has accomplished forty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed one enemy airplane in aerial combat. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 22, 1944
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 115 (July 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Flight of P-51 fighters in support of heavy bombers on 22 April 1944. Over Germany, Captain Millikan observed approximately twenty ME-109’s positioning for an attack on the formation. During the ensuing battle, Captain Millikan broke off his attack and, oblivious to his vulnerability, assisted hard pressed pilots by shooting down their adversaries. Although he “blacked out” when terminating the last action, he revived and courageously returned to the fray. Engaging a third ME-109, he deftly maneuvered it into position and with an accurate burst of gun fire sent it down in flames. Although now alone and surrounded by hostile planes, he determinedly pressed home his attack to destroy another enemy fighter before withdrawing. By his courage and aggressiveness in attacking a superior enemy fighter force, Captain Millikan destroyed four ME-109’s and furnished excellent protection to the bombers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Millikan, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Air Force, was awarded a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in planning and leading the first Air Guard fighter non-stop deployment, utilizing three aerial refuelings, to Europe and back in August 1964. 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 Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 56 (July 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and the destruction of four enemy airplanes while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy occupied Continental Europe 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    May 30, 1944 – May 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 30788

    Captain (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was forced to bail out over enemy territory following a collision with another P-51 fighter airplane on 30 May 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    366th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Willard Wesley Millikan (ASN: 0-885404), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat 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.