Navy Federal Credit Union

Aleda Lutz flew over 800 hours during 196 missions and evacuated over 3,500 men during World War II. On November 1, 1944, the C-47 hospital plane evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefront near Lyons, Italy, crashed killing all on board. On December 28, 1944 she was posthumously awarded the distinguished flying cross. She was the first woman to be awarded the medal in war.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Nurse Corps)

    Batallion:

    802nd Medical Air Evacuation Squadron

    Division:

    51st Troop Carrier Wing

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Nurse Corps) Aleda E. Lutz (ASN: N-730648), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Flight Nurse of a C-47 aircraft with the 802d Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, 51st Troop Carrier Wing, in action against the enemy during World War II. Lieutenant Lutz distinguished herself through her professional skill and courage. Flying more than 190 missions to evacuate wounded personnel, Lieutenant Lutz’s resourcefulness and determination have been of high inspiration to those serving with her. On 1 November 1944, while she was flying on a mission to evacuate wounded personnel from the front lines, a severe storm rocked Lieutenant Lutz’s aircraft from the pilots control, and it crashed in southern France. Her outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Army.