Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Karr became a World War II ACE, credited with shooting down a total of 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, plus one destroyed on the ground. After the war he left the service to get a degree in Dentistry, then joined to the new U.S. Air Force in 1953, serving as a Dental Surgeon, and retired in 1976 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    5th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 17, 1944

    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 485 (February 3, 1945)

    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) Robert Adelbert Karr (ASN: 0-816117), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 17 December 1944, Captain Karr led a squadron formation as escort to heavy bombers attacking strategic enemy oil installations in Biata, Poland. Approaching the target a large formation of enemy fighters was sighted and, despite the superiority in numbers of the hostile force Captain Karr immediately led his squadron in attack. In the ensuing aerial battle, displaying outstanding aggressiveness, leadership and combat proficiency, Captain Karr destroyed three enemy aircraft, while his squadron accounted for three more destroyed and the remainder of the enemy formation was driven from the area. Through his highly effective protective cover, the bombers were thus enabled to complete a highly successful mission unmolested. By his conspicuous gallantry, aggressive leadership and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout sixty-eight (68) successful missions against the enemy and six enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial flight, Captain Karr has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    5th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Robert Adelbert Karr (ASN: 0-816117), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 5th Fighter Squadron, 52d 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.