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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Cecil Oree Dean (ASN: 0-1703099), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    July 2, 1944 – May 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 6358

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Cecil Oree Dean (ASN: 0-1703099), United States Army Air Forces, bailed out of his fighter airplane after a mid-air crash over enemy territory on 2 July 1944, and was captured by German force was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.