Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Wayne
Leon
Lowry
POW (WWII)
January 24, 1921

–

October 30, 1993

Born:

Purdum

, 

Nebraska

Home:

Purdum

, 

Nebraska

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II, Wayne Lowry became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he was himself shot down, captured, and held as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Wayne Leon Lowry (ASN: 0-665211), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 138 (January 8, 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) Wayne Leon Lowry (ASN: 0-665211), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Lowry, 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    317th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    325th Fighter Group (Germany)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    October 7, 1944 – May 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 20369

    Captain (Air Corps) Wayne Leon Lowry (ASN: 0-665211), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down east of Treviso, Italy, on 7 October 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.