Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Clyde
Bennett
East
July 19, 1921

–

July 30, 2014

Born:

Pittsylvania County

, 

Virginia

Home:

Sheva

, 

Virginia

Buried: 

Westlake Village

, 

California

Cemetery:

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park

Clyde East began his World War II service with the Royal Canadian Air Force, transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces in January 1944. He became a USAAF DOUBLE ACE credited with shooting down 13 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, returning to combat duty in the Korean War. He retired in 1965 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Photo Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Clyde Bennett East (ASN: 0-886288), 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 Pilot of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Photo Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Clyde Bennett East (ASN: 0-886288), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Photo Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 100 (June 15, 1945)

    (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) Clyde Bennett East (ASN: 0-886288), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Reconnaissance Airplane in the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain East, 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.