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(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 Kenneth Giroux (ASN: 0-737067), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 2 November 1944. Captain Giroux flew directly over the guns of a Japanese surface task force to beat off enemy fighters that were harassing an American bomber formation during enemy attempts to reinforce their garrison at Leyte, shooting down three Hamps between Ormoc Bay and Pacijan Island. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Giroux, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    36th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 263 (February 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) William Kenneth Giroux (ASN: 0-737067), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 5 November 1944. On this date on a fighter sweep over Negros Isbud, Captain Giroux shot down three Japanese Oscars. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Giroux, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    36th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 30, 1944

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William Kenneth Giroux (ASN: 0-737067), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations on 30 October 1944. 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.