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All ten members of the air crew of Pilot John T. O’Brien’s B-24 Bomber were missing in action after a mission over Rabaul, on November 6, 1943, and each member of the crew was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    321st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    90th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1943

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 118 (March 3, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Technical Sergeant Robert Joseph Beil (ASN: 15102304), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 321st Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations during a weather reconnaissance mission over Rabaul, New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 6 November 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Beil, 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.