Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Vernon
Richard
Turner
POW (WWII)
1920-01-03

–

1975-07-16

Born:

Idalou

, 

Texas

Home:

Levelland

, 

Texas

Buried: 

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Vernon Turner graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of June 1943. As a Fighter Pilot during World War II, he was credited with shooting down two enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was himself shot down, captured, and held as a Prisoner of War. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    366th 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 Captain (Air Corps) Vernon Richard Turner (ASN: 0-26113), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 366th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1943 and 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Turner, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Vernon Richard Turner (ASN: 0-26113), 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 Turner 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:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Vernon Richard Turner (ASN: 0-26113), 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 Turner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1944 – May 1945

    Captain (Air Corps) Vernon Richard Turner (ASN: 0-26113), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 24 July 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Vernon Richard Turner (ASN: 0-26113), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Turner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.