Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

(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) Robert Edward Applegate (ASN: 0-22933), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer and Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 765th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Applegate flew a Liberator Bomber safely back to base after part of its bomb load had been set off by enemy flak. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Applegate, 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    765th Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Robert E. Applegate (ASN: 0-22933), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 765th Fighter Squadron, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    765th Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Robert E. Applegate (ASN: 0-22933), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 765th Fighter Squadron, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.