Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gilbert
Lawrence
Pritchard
May 7, 1915

–

March 20, 1990

Born:

Redfield

, 

South Dakota

Home:

Beverly Hills

, 

California

Buried: 

Pensacola

, 

Florida

Cemetery:

Barrancas National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Gilbert Pritchard transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1966 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    97th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, XII Bomber Command, General Orders No. 24 (October 2, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Gilbert Lawrence Pritchard (ASN: 0-399836), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Pritchard, 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)

    Regiment:

    97th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gilbert Lawrence Pritchard, 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 with the 97th Bombardment Group in North Africa 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    97th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gilbert Lawrence Pritchard, 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 with the 97th Bombardment Group in North Africa 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    97th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gilbert Lawrence Pritchard, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 97th Bombardment Group in North Africa 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.