Richard “Dixie” Alexander joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in October 1940, and was awarded his pilot wings on September 15, 1941, joining the 133 Eagle Squadron in England. He was credited with destroying 1 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, plus 1 probable, before transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces where he destroyed another 4 enemy aircraft in the air from February to May 1944, giving him a total of 5 destroyed and 1 probable for World War II. He was shot down and taken as a Prisoner of War on May 30, 1944, and was held until his camp was liberated in May 1945. While serving with the 60th Fighter Squadron of the 33rd Fighter Group in Germany in January 1947, he was involved in an accident and lost his right arm, resulting in his being medically discharged from the Air Force in 1948.
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Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
2d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
52d Fighter GroupDivision:
Prisoner of War (Germany)Action Date:
May 24, 1944 – May 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 9860First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard Lear Alexander (ASN: 0-885165), United States Army Air Forces, was mistakenly shot down by an American B-24 gunner during a mission on 24 May 1944. Captured by German forces, he was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
2d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
52d Fighter GroupAction Date:
May 24, 1944
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) Richard Lear Alexander (ASN: 0-885165), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as pilot of a P-51 type aircraft. On 24 May 1944 Lieutenant Alexander participated as escort to heavy bombers attacking enemy installations in Austria. Turning from the target after a highly successful bombing run the bomber formation was attacked from the rear by five (5) enemy fighters. With complete disregard for the overwhelming odds Lt. Alexander immediately turned into the enemy aircraft forcing them to break off their attacks. In the ensuing engagement he singled out one (1) enemy fighter and through outstanding combat skill he succeeded in destroying it. Rejoining his formation he escorted the bombers safely to base without loss. By his outstanding courage, combat proficiency and devotion to duty together with personal combat record of three (3) enemy aircraft destroyed and over sixty five (65) successful missions against the enemy Lieutenant Alexander has upheld the highest traditions of the Military service thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
2d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
52d Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard Lear Alexander (ASN: 0-885165), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-39 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 2d Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.