Navy Federal Credit Union

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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Brooks Jonathan Liles (ASN: AO-744720), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a fighter type aircraft on bomber escort and strafing missions against Nurenburg, Germany, 19 February 1945, and against Nienburg, Germany, 20 February 1945. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire in the Nurenburg area, Lieutenant Liles destroyed numerous enemy rail transport facilities and other targets. In the Nienburg area, again opposed by concentrated anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Liles attacked and destroyed many enemy ground installations. The outstanding determination, flying skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Liles reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 22, 1952

    (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 Brooks Jonathan Liles (ASN: AO-744720), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet in the 3326th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, on 22 April 1952. On that date, Captain Liles shot down his fourth enemy MiG fighter in aerial combat in a 60 day period. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Liles, 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 Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Brooks Jonathan Liles (ASN: 0-744720), United States Air Force, 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 Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet in the 3326th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, in Korea.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    March – May 1945

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Brooks Jonathan Liles (ASN: 0-744720), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after his fighter airplane was shot down in March 1945 near Prague, Czechoslovakia, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Action Date:

    April 21, 1952

    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 Captain Brooks Jonathan Liles (ASN: AO-744720), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet in the 3326th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea on 21 April 1952. As flight leader of a flight of four F-86 type aircraft on a combat air patrol in the Sinuiju area, Captain Liles attacked one enemy MiG-15 type aircraft, closing and firing on two other F-86’s. Quickly maneuvering into firing position on the MiG-15, Captain Liles warned the F-86’s being pursued to break to the left. The MiG-15 was forced to break off the attack. Captain Liles fired several bursts and caused several strikes on the MiG-15, forcing the pilot to bail out. The outstanding gallantry in action and superior leadership displayed by Captain Liles on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.