Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gladwyn
Earl
Pinkston
March 4, 1913

–

January 29, 2011

Born:

Pasadena

, 

California

Home:

Pasadena

, 

California

Buried: 

Action

, 

Maine

Cemetery:

Maple Grove Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Gladwyn Pinkston transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    79th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gladwyn Earl Pinkston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 79th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy during 97 combat missions in France, Yugoslavia and northern Italy during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    79th Fighter Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 12th Air Force, General Orders No. 134 (June 16, 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 Colonel (Air Corps) Gladwyn Earl Pinkston (ASN: 0-22511), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 79th Fighter Group, TWELFTH 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 Colonel Pinkston, 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.