Navy Federal Credit Union

William Fraser was a member of the crew of a B-17 flown by Major Allen Lindberg on a mission over Rabaul, during which Brigadier General Kenneth Walker was flying to observe. It was shot down and all twelve airmen aboard were listed as missing in action. General Walker was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and Private First Class Fraser was one of 7 members of the crew awarded a posthumous Silver Star.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    64th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 5, 1943

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 74 (April 25, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William G. Fraser (ASN: 20815917), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as an Aerial Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), Fifth Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 5 January 1943. In the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire and determined opposition by enemy fighters, Private First Class Fraser participated in an effective daylight bombing attack against shipping in the harbor at Rabaul, New Britain, which resulted in direct hits on nine enemy vessels. During this action his airplane was disabled and forced down by the attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Fraser, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 63 (April 25, 1943)

    (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 Private First Class William G. Fraser (ASN: 20815917), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Air Force, in operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Fraser, 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.