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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction 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.