During World War II, William Gardner became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He returned to civilian life after the war, working as Chief of Flight Test for Curtiss Propeller Division of Wright Aeronautical Corporation until his retirement in 1984. In retirement he worked closely with the Air Force as a director at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sponsored by:
William
Alfred
Gardner
March 3, 1920
–
June 22, 2005
Born:
Gorham
,
New Hampshire
Home:
Gorham
,
New Hampshire
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
35th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Alfred Gardner (ASN: 0-407883), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 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 ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
35th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Alfred Gardner (ASN: 0-407883), 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-40 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 ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
35th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Alfred Gardner (ASN: 0-407883), 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-40 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.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
35th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 309 (March 2, 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) William Alfred Gardner (ASN: 0-407883), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gardner, 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.