Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Maurice
Arthur
Preston
November 25, 1912

–

January 25, 1983

Born:

Weed

, 

California

Home:

Tulare

, 

California

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Maurice Preston graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II and earning two Silver Stars, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1963 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    379th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Maurice Arthur Preston, 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 Commanding Officer, 379th Bombardment Group and later the 41st Bombardment Wing of the EIGHTH Air Force during World War II. 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Maurice Arthur Preston, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Preston and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Maurice Arthur Preston, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Preston and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    379th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 406 (May 23, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Maurice Arthur Preston (ASN: 0-20673), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving Command Pilot of a Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Preston, 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:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    379th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Maurice Arthur Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 379th Bombardment Group and later the 41st Bombardment Wing of the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    379th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 174 (October 1, 1943)

    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) Maurice Arthur Preston (ASN: 0-20673), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on 17 August 1943. Colonel Preston led a combat wing of B-17 Flying Fortress Bombers on a mission over Schweinfurt, Germany. Flying the lead ship of the formation, Colonel Preston led his command through intense anti-aircraft fire and repeated and determined attacks by enemy fighters. In spite of fierce opposition, a most successful attack was made on a target of vital importance. The courage, skill, and superb leadership displayed by Colonel Preston on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    379th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Maurice Arthur Preston, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 379th Bombardment Group and later the 41st Bombardment Wing of the EIGHTH Air Force during World War II. 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.