Donald Ross served as a Fighter Pilot in the Army Air Forces during World War II, and was credited with destroying two enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was himself shot down, captured and held as a Prisoner of War. Repatriated after the war, transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.
Sponsored by:
Donald
H.
Ross
POW (WWII)
1923
–
Born:
Modesto
,
California
Home:
Huntington Park
,
California
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
335th & 363d Fighter SquadronsAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donald H. Ross (ASN: 0-885307), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving s a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 335th Fighter Squadron and later the 363d Fighter Squadron, in action over enemy-occupied Continental Europe and the destruction of two enemy aircraft 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 Force of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Donald H. Ross (ASN: 0-885307), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ross and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Division:
Prisoner of War (Germany)Action Date:
February 20, 1944 – May 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 32956First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donald H. Ross (ASN: 0-885307), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 20 February 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Donald H. Ross (ASN: 0-885307), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ross and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.