The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) William Watterston Veal, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombardment mission over enemy occupied Europe, 3 September 1943. During a determined attack by enemy fighters, a 20 mm cannon shell hit one engine of his plane setting it ablaze. In order to bring the fire under control Major Veal side-slipped his aircraft for more then 3000 feet and thus put out the flames. As enemy fighters closed in to attack, Major Veal completely upset their tactics by attacking the fighters, who were successfully driven off. Having accomplished this he flew his aircraft back to England and made a safe landing at the home base. The courage and exceptional flying skill displayed by Major Veal on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Action Date:
August 17, 1943
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) William Watterston Veal, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving as Squadron Leader on a bombardment mission over Germany, 17 August 1943. In spite of intense antiaircraft fire and extremely heavy fighter opposition, the formation made the deepest penetration thus far into Germany, bombed a target of vital importance with highly successful results and continued on to bases in another theatre. During one of the greatest aerial battles of the war, lasting over two hours, approximately one hundred and fifty enemy aircraft were destroyed. The courage, skill, and determination displayed by major Veal on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Watterston Veal, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of 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 Veal and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Watterston Veal, 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 Veal and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.