The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Victor Eugene Bocquin (ASN: 0-814639), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 363d Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force on 27 September 1944. Lieutenant Bocquin was leading a Squadron of P-51 fighters escorting a bombing mission when approximately forty FW-190’s attacked the formation. With utter disregard for the enemy’s numerical superiority and thinking only of the safety of the bombers, he led his planes in a vigorous assault. After successfully frustrating the attack, they pursued the enemy down through two layers of overcast to destroy eighteen aircraft. During this engagement, Lieutenant Bocquin personally shot down three FW-190’s and furnished support for two of his comrades in successful attacks. His courage, aggressive combat tactics and determination to destroy the enemy, were contributing factors to the success of the mission. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
363d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
361st Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Victor Eugene Bocquin (ASN: 0-814639), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot with the 363d Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against the enemy 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 ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
363d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
361st Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Victor Eugene Bocquin (ASN: 0-814639), 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 as a P-51 Fighter Pilot with the 363d Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against the enemy 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.