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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) George J. Brooks, United States Army Air Forces, for heroic and outstanding achievement in the European Theater of Operations. Lieutenant Brooks served with unusual fortitude and tenacity on 13 August 1944, while acting as wingman to his flight leader in an aerial engagement near Alencon, France. When his flight attacked a superior number of enemy aircraft Lieutenant Brooks demonstrated technical skill and devotion to duty of the highest type in maintaining his protective position, and by warding off many fighter attacks enabled his flight leader to destroy three German fighters. While thus courageously protecting his leader, heavy damage was sustained by his own aircraft, forcing him to bail out over enemy territory.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    February 8, 1945
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) George J. Brooks, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European Theater of Operations. Lieutenant Brooks served as pilot of a P-51 aircraft on a night solo reconnaissance mission over enemy territory on 8 February 1945. To obtain vitally needed measurements of cloud bases, Lieutenant Brooks flew below 800 feet in the Cologne area knowingly exposing himself to fire from one of the heaviest known concentrations of anti-aircraft. The critical weather information he radioed in flight was instrumental to the success of many subsequent operations. Lieutenant Brooks’ skill and devotion to duty are deserving of the highest praise.