Navy Federal Credit Union

Frank O’Connor He completed 59 combat missions shooting down 10.75 enemy aircraft to become a DOUBLE ACE, before being shot down by ground fire on November 5, 1944 during a strafing run. He parachuted from his disabled aircraft and spent the remainder of the European war as a POW in Germany. After World War II he became a career officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1963 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 85 (March 31, 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 Major (Air Corps) Frank Quinn O’Connor (ASN: 0-730584), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Major O’Connor has participated in the required number of operational sorties against the enemy. 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944 – May 1944

    Major (Air Corps) Frank Quinn O’Connor (ASN: 0-730584), United States Army Air Forces, was shot down by ground fire and forced to parachute into enemy held territory on 5 November, 1944, where he was captured by German forces 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 Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 9 (January 24, 1945)

    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 Major (Air Corps) Frank Quinn O’Connor (ASN: 0-730584), 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 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 5 November 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, while leading a strafing mission on an enemy airdrome, Major O’Connor flew head-long into enemy gun positions in order to silence them or draw their fire and accomplish the safe withdrawal of his flight. His aircraft was severely hit and damaged, exploding a few seconds after he had parachuted to safety. The heroism, coolness, and skill displayed by Major O’Connor on this occasion, and his inspiring leadership through his many missions, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 13, 1944

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 267 (November 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Frank Quinn O’Connor (ASN: 0-730584), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations, on 13 April 1944. While leading a flight of fighter aircraft in top cover for a formation of bombers, Major O’Connor brilliantly led his flight to engage a superior force of enemy aircraft, personally accounting for the destruction of two. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved the bombers from great danger and enabled them to complete their mission with success. His outstanding leadership and courage in the face of great odds reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    356th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1944

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 267 (November 13, 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 Major (Air Corps) Frank Quinn O’Connor (ASN: 0-730584), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations on 26 October 1944. When adverse weather prevented the group led by Major O’Connor from bombing the assigned target, he successfully led his group to an enemy railroad bridge. Completely destroying the bridge and disrupting traffic and cutting rail lines, Major O’Connor reformed his group and successfully led them back to base without the loss of a ship. The keen judgment and devotion to duty exhibited by Major O’Connor on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.