Navy Federal Credit Union

Francis Beck was credited with shooting down TWO enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    16th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 53 (December 17, 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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Francis H. Beck (ASN: 0-673301), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1943. 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.