Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Willis
Bruner
Sawyer
September 20, 1917

–

April 11, 2010

Born:

, 

Illinois

Home:

Glendale

, 

California

Willis Sawyer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1941. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    343d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Willis Bruner Sawyer, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 98th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    343d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Willis Bruner Sawyer, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 98th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    6920th Security Group

    Action Date:

    1951 – 1954
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Willis Bruner Sawyer (ASN: 0-23821), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 6920th Security Group in Japan and Korea from 1951 to 1954. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sawyer and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    343d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 1944
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 2981 (August 31, 1944)

    (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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Willis Bruner Sawyer (ASN: 0-23821), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 343d Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in February 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer led three B-24 Liberators Bombers through attacks by 38 enemy aircraft and amid heavy flak, to bomb the ME-109 factory at Steyr, Austria. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    6920th Security Group

    Action Date:

    1951 – 1954
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Willis Bruner Sawyer, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 6920th Security Group in Japan and Korea from 1951 to 1954.