Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Duerr Schuh became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force Reserve, and retired in 1976 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    487th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    352d Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Duerr H. Schuh (ASN: 0-666443), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in aerial flight over Germany, 26 December 1944. On this date, Captain Schuh was operating with a Flight of four P-51 fighters when they observed three waves of approximately thirty (30) ME-109’s. Completely ignoring the enemy’s preponderant numerical advantage, he attacked, with his wingman, the rear echelon of ten (10) aircraft. During the bitterly contested battle, he destroyed two (2) enemy fighters and then flew cover while his wingman shot a third plane. In supporting his wingman, Captain Schuh necessarily placed himself in a precarious tactical position and four (4) ME-109’s positioned on the tail of his aircraft. Taking skillful evasive action, he executed a brilliant maneuver and reversed positions with the enemy. Then, with cool deliberation, he destroyed one (1) ME-109 before withdrawing with a defective radio and only one (1) gun operational. Captain Schuh’s actions during this engagement are a fine example of his assiduous adherence to duty, resourcefulness, and professional skill.