Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    93d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 25, 1941

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 38 (December 2, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] William G. Weiss (ASN: 6551382), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier/Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action at Davao, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 25 December 1941. Sergeant Weiss was engaged in a bombing mission against the enemy-held airdrome at Davao. After completion of the bombing run, the formation was attacked by ten enemy Zero fighters, which severely damaged the other plane, forcing it to reduce speed. Sergeant Weiss’ aircraft, though damaged by anti-aircraft fire during the bombing run, remained with the crippled airplane, thereby sustaining considerable damage and injuries to two crew members. During the entire engagement, Sergeant Weiss manned his guns effectively, assisting in driving off the enemy and enabling our planes to return to the home base, at a time when such aircraft were at a premium. His ability and courage in the face of enemy fire are in accord with the finest traditions of the Army Air Corps.