During World War II, Leland Molland became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 10.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and logged 63 missions with the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group in the Korean War, before he was killed in action on a mission on May 16, 1951.
Sponsored by:
Leland
Phelps
Molland
KIA (Korea)
May 7, 1919
–
May 16, 1951
Born:
Nome
,
North Dakota
Home:
Nome
,
North Dakota
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
308th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
31st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Leland Phelps Molland (AFSN: 0-9572A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st 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 ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
308th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
31st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 416 (May 11, 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 Major (Air Corps) Leland Phelps Molland (AFSN: 0-9572A/0-667089), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st 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 Major Molland, 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 ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
308th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
31st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Leland Phelps Molland (AFSN: 0-9572A), 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 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st 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.