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Lee
Verne
Wiseman
March 29, 1921

–

August 16, 1987

Born:

Grand Rapids

, 

Michigan

Home:

Grand Rapids

, 

Michigan

During World War II, Lee Wiseman 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, and retired in 1964 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    71st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1943
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 155 (August 2, 1943)

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lee Vern Wiseman (ASN: 0-662711), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the North African Theater of action. While on a bomber escort mission near Kairouan on 28 January 1943, Lieutenant Wiseman’s seven plane squadron was engaged by twelve FW-190s. During the extended combat, two enemy fighters attacked Lieutenant Wiseman and his element leader from opposite directions. Observing his leader in grave danger from the fire of one FW-190, Lieutenant Wiseman turned, and gallantly exposing himself to the attack of one aircraft, drove away the threatening fighter from his leader, whom he escorted safely to his base. His outstanding courage and skill as a fighter pilot on many combat missions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1961 – August 31, 1964

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Lee Vern Wiseman (ASN: 0-662711), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Maintenance and Vice Commander, 40th Bombardment Wing, and later as Commander, 98th Bombardment Wing, from 14 March 1961 to 31 August 1964. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Wiseman resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness of the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Wiseman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    71st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1943
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 268 (April 23, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Lee Verne Wiseman (ASN: 0-662711), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action under enemy fire, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane with the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 4 February 1943, a formation of heavy bombers escorted by ten P-38’s, were attacked by ten enemy aircraft while returning from a bombing mission in Tunisia. Observing six crew members bail out of a flaming bomber, Major Wiseman and his wingman went down to protect them from eight enemy fighters heading in to attack. Intercepted by three of these, Major Wiseman, while under attack by two enemy fighters destroyed the third which had the advantage of his wingman and was in position to shoot him down. Without his wingman, he then evaded his attackers and maneuvered his aircraft to the vicinity of the falling parachutes where he attacked with such gallantry and skill that the enemy aircraft were obliged to abandon their efforts against the parachutists and protect themselves from Major Wiseman’s attacks. Not until the bomber crew had sufficient time to reach the ground did he break off combat and seek cover in a nearby cloud. Throughout a distinguished career of more than fifty combat sorties, Major Wiseman’s outstanding skill and courage has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    71st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 12, 1943
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 3 (January 4, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Lee Vern Wiseman (ASN: 0-662711), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 12 April 1943, while over the Gulf of *****, the formation in which Captain Wiseman was flying was intercepted by approximately twenty-five enemy fighters. Captain Wiseman left the flight which he was leading and went to the aid of two comrades who were being attacked by two FW-190’s. Displaying keen professional skill, he turned into the enemy aircraft and succeeded in destroying one of them and driving off the other. His bold and daring act helped make possible the safe return of his fellow pilots. Throughout the 50 operational missions flown by this officer, he has consistently proven himself to be an outstanding leader. By his unusual initiative and unfailing devotion to duty, Captain Wiseman has upheld the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.