Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Don
McDowell
1916

–

May 28, 1944

Born:

Los Angeles

, 

California

Home:

Los Angeles

, 

California

Buried: 

Coton

, 

England

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Cambridge

During World War II, Don McDowell became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He failed to return from an escort mission on May 28, 1944, and was listed as missing in action.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    353d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (May 21, 1944)

    (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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Don McDowell (ASN: 0-744728), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane of the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter 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 First Lieutenant McDowell, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    353d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Don McDowell (ASN: 0-744728), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.