(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Baccus (ASN: 0-406504), 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 as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 359th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
359th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Baccus (ASN: 0-406504), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 359th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
November 26, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 66 (May 8, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Baccus (ASN: 0-406504), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and Commanding Officer of the 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action while leading a Fighter Group escorting heavy bombers over Germany, on 26 November 1944. A few minutes after making rendezvous, enemy aircraft were reported in the vicinity and Colonel Baccus, with his Group, set up a vigilant patrol. Observing a large number of fighters preparing to attack, he skillfully positioned his squadrons between the enemy and the bombers. Then, leading a Flight, he launched a daring assault against approximately twenty-five (25) ME-109’s. During the ensuing battle, he became separated from the Group but was successful in destroying two (2) enemy fighters before breaking off the attack. Still alone and low on ammunition, he rejoined the bombers, and finding them unescorted, went over the target with them and escorted them back to the coast. The fact that during this action, his Group destroyed twenty-three (23), probably destroyed one (1) and damaged nine (9) aircraft is a tribute to Colonel Baccus’ peerless leadership and unsurpassed combat skill.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
359th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Arthur Baccus (ASN: 0-406504), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 359th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.