Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1944 – January 3, 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Maxwell Medoff, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving as Engineer of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and German-occupied countries from 16 July 1944 to 3 January 1945. Throughout these operations Sergeant Medoff demonstrated exceptional ability and an exemplary attention to detail. In the face of numerous hazards and difficulties he performed his duties with distinction. On 4 August 1944 a fire broke out beneath the upper turret. While attempting to avoid the flames Sergeant Medoff wrenched his leg badly. Despite the pain which he was suffering, he continued to perform his tasks in an outstanding manner. On 10 August 1944 accurate anti-aircraft fire damaged the airplane in which Sergeant Medoff was flying. Two gas tanks were punctured, one wing flap control rod was shot in half and one elevator control cable was severed. He went to the tail of the aircraft and manually attempted to hold the horizontal stabilizer to prevent the remaining cables from breaking because of the increased strain. His actions on this occasion were in large measure responsible for the safe return of the airplane to base. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Medoff on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.