Navy Federal Credit Union

A total of 5 Medals of Honor and 56 Distinguished Service Crosses, among numerous other awards, were awarded for the August 1, 1943 low-level bombing mission of the Ploesti Oil Refineries, ranking it as perhaps the single-most decorated combat air mission of World War II. Robert Mooney’s Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant James Garrits, also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for this mission.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    567th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    389th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 89 (September 16, 1943)

    (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) Robert Carleton Mooney (ASN: 0-724635), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 567th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Captain Mooney flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. He died while still skillfully and determinedly flying into the face of the enemy. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mooney on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.