The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert L. Faurot (ASN: 0-399603), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Kokoda, New Guinea, on 28 June 1942. This officer led a flight of P-40 type fighters against an enemy formation of 18 bombers, escorted by pursuit planes near Kokoda. In the first attack Lieutenant Faurot could get only one .30 caliber gun to function. Despite this, he continued running attacks and due to his skillful leadership, no losses were sustained by our aircraft. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Faurot, 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Regiment:
35th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
November 25, 1942
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 16 (January 23, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Robert L. Faurot (ASN: 0-399603), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Lae airdrome, New Guinea, on 25 November 1942. Captain Faurot led a flight of P-38 type aircraft on a bombing mission against the strongly defended airdrome at Lae. As the formation approached the target, several enemy Zero fighters took off to meet the attack. Captain Faurot released two 500-pound bombs over the airdrome, from an altitude of 4,000 feet, so that they fell beyond the south end of the runway in the ocean. Fragments from the exploding bombs hit an enemy plane which had just taken off and was only a few feet above the water. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Faurot, 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Regiment:
35th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
July 18, 1942 – January 19, 1943
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Robert L. Faurot (ASN: 0-399603), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Southwest Pacific area from 18 July 1942 to 19 January 1943. During this period Captain Faurot participated in more than 50 operational flight missions during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These flights included patrol and interception missions against enemy fighter and bombing planes in the New Guinea and Guadalcanal areas. Throughout these operations Captain Faurot demonstrated outstanding flying ability.