Navy Federal Credit Union

Olin Wimberly was a member of a Bomber piloted by Donald A. Rininsland, that was shot down over New Guinea in 1943, with the loss of all 11 crew members. He was one of six members of the crew to be posthumously awarded a Silver Star.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    400th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    90th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1943

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 123 (June 18, 1943)

    (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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Olin J. Wimberly (ASN: 0-660539), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 400th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations on an armed reconnaissance mission over Wewak, New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 12 February 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Wimberly, 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.