Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Arthur
Tope
November 11, 1916

–

May 21, 2007

Born:

Pasadena

, 

California

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, William Tope transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1970 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    449th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 275 (April 24, 1944)

    (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) William Arthur Tope (ASN: 0-406061), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 449th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943 and 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Tope, 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    449th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William Arthur Tope, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 449th Bombardment Group, in action 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General William Arthur Tope, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tope and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.