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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane with the 377th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in support of the landings at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Captain Beeson’s fearless attack on a German Position in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire forced the balance to the group to turn back, leaving him alone to continue the attack. Captain Beeson made a fearless attack on a German position in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire that forced the balance of the group to turn back, leaving him alone to continue the attack.The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Beeson, 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

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    March 1945 – April 1945

    Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German Forces after he was shot down in March 1945, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his recovery by U.S. forces two weeks later.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    January 1967 – February 1968

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Chief of Staff, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, from January 1967 to February 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Beeson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), 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 362d Fighter Group, NINTH 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:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot with the 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas Henry Beeson (ASN: 0-25510), 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 while serving with the 362d Fighter Group, NINTH 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.