Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Russell
Kurtz
Pierce
, Jr.
January 17, 19211921

–

June 28, 2000

Born:

Fremont

, 

Nebraska

Home:

Fremont

, 

Nebraska

Buried: 

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Russell Pierce transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    344th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, General Orders No. 22 (November 11, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Russell Kurtz Pierce, Jr. (ASN: 0-442962), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, in aerial operations in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Pierce, 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:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Russell Kurtz Pierce, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of a B-24 aircraft of the 98th Bombardment Group, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.