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Arnold
Everett
Vinson
MIA (WWII) KIA

Born:

Monticello

, 

Massachusetts

Home:

Monticello

, 

Massachusetts

Buried: 

Carthage

, 

Tunisia

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. North Africa (Tablets of the Missing)

During World War II, Arnold Vinson became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5.3 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he was himself shot down and listed as missing in action on April 3, 1943.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    2d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Arnold Everett Vinson (ASN: 0-418149), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 2d Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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 Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    2d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 3, 1943
    Headquarters, XII Air Support Command, General Orders No. 16 (April 24, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Arnold Everett Vinson (ASN: 0-418149), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 2d Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action and the destruction of seven enemy aircraft and the damaging of numerous others in aerial combat in North Africa. Captain Vinson distinguished himself on 3 April 1943. While on fighter patrol his flight encountered a superior number of JU-87’s. In the ensuing combat the plane which Captain Vinson piloted was damaged but he continued in the struggle and as a result he destroyed one of the enemy aircraft. His plane was so badly damaged during the encounter that he was forced to land behind enemy lines. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Vinson, 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:

    2d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Arnold Everett Vinson (ASN: 0-418149), 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 Fighter Pilot of the 2d Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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:

    2d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Arnold Everett Vinson (ASN: 0-418149), 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 Fighter Pilot of the 2d Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.