Navy Federal Credit Union

William Beyer became a World War II ACE, credited with destroying 9 enemy aircraft in aerial combat between September and November 1944. His first victory was against German Ace Major Klaus Mietusch, who had scored a total of 75 aerial victories.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    376th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    361st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 538 (December 21, 1944)

    (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 Captain (Air Corps) William R. Beyer (ASN: 0-816628), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a P-47 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 376th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. 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:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    376th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    361st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) William R. Beyer (ASN: 0-816628), 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 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 376th Fighter Squadron, 361st 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.