Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    431st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 22 (January 13, 1943)

    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 Captain (Air Corps) Willis E. Jacobs (ASN: 0-417147), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 431st Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 25 October 1942. Captain Jacobs, as pilot of a heavy bombardment airplane, proceeded on a striking mission against an enemy surface task force in the vicinity of Ramos Island in the Solomon Group. The flight went out through weather, maintaining formation while the leader was on instruments. Reaching its objective, the flight encountered enemy airships and dropped twenty-three 500-pound bombs from a 12,000-foot altitude. They bombed and sank a large enemy warship while proceeding through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, returning to base after dark in bad weather. All ships held formation in spite of the anti-aircraft fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Jacobs, 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:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    431st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 3, 1942

    Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, General Orders No. 62 (July 30, 1942)

    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) Willis E. Jacobs (ASN: 0-417147), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a combat crew member of a United States B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 431st Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, in the Battle of Midway between 3 and 7 June 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Jacobs, 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.