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William
Corinth
Bacon
April 17, 1919

–

March 8, 2008

Born:

, 

Arkansas

Home:

Booneville

, 

Arkansas

Buried: 

Comfort

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Comfort Cemetery

William Bacon declined offers to play professional baseball, and also an appointment to West Point, to enter pilot training prior to World War II. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, curing which he earned a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1965 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General William Corinth Bacon, 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, culminating in 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Bacon culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 1943
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 70 (August 7, 1943)

    (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 Major (Air Corps) William Corinth Bacon (ASN: 0-411913), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with NINTH Air Force in the Middle East Theater of Operations, in August 1943. After completion of a bombing run on assigned targets, his plane suffered a direct hit from enemy anti-aircraft fire, causing loss of all rudder control and hydraulic systems. Although unable to stay in formation, he and his crew were able to destroy one enemy fighter aircraft and fight off others. They returned the damaged bomber, landing at night without damage to the plane or his crew. 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 and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William Corinth Bacon, 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 with the NINTH Air Force in the Middle East Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions 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)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William Corinth Bacon, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the NINTH Air Force in the Middle East Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.