Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Lynn
Elwood
Witt
, Jr.
April 8, 1916

–

July 12, 2003

Born:

Bowdon

, 

Georgia

Home:

Bowdon

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

Bowdon

, 

Georgia

Cemetery:

Bowdon First United Methodist Cemetery

During World War II, Lynn Witt became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1969 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (ASN: 0-795008), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1966 – May 31, 1969

    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 Colonel Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (AFSN: FR-6966/ASN: 0-795008), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 29 July 1966 to 31May 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Witt culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 716 (May 7, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (AFSN: FR-6966/ASN: 0-795008), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Witt, 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 Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (ASN: 0-795008), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (ASN: 0-795008), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific 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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 138 (June 9, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Air Corps) Lynn Elwood Witt, Jr. (ASN: 0-795008), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 December 1944, in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. On this date, in aerial combat, Captain Witt shot down an enemy airplane. Captain Witt’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.