(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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Gilpen Bright (ASN: 0-889017), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
37th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
14th Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Gilpen Bright (ASN: 0-889017), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
37th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
14th Fighter GroupDivision:
Prisoner of War (Italy)Action Date:
August 30, 1944 – November 1944
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Gilpen Bright (ASN: 0-889017), United States Army Air Forces, was captured after he bailed out of his damaged fighter airplane north of Rome on 30 August 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control when Italy surrendered in November 1944.