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Navy Federal Credit Union

First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thair W. Best (ASN: 0-769681), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on or about January 22, 1945 and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 22 , 1945
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. June 19, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thair W. Best (ASN: 0-769681), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Photo Reconnaissance Aircraft of the NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Germany, on 22 January 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.