Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Cotesworth Head became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 14 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. His P-38 was badly damaged in combat on January 18, 1943, and fellow pilots attempted to escort him back to safety but were forced to break off. He was never seen again, and was listed as missing in action.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Cotesworth Bradway Head, Jr. (ASN: 0-727452), 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 as a P-40 and P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH 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 Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Cotesworth Bradway Head, Jr. (ASN: 0-727452), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-40 and P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH 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 Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    44th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Cotesworth Bradway Head, Jr. (ASN: 0-727452), 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 as a P-40 and P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH 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.