Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    340th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 24, 1944

    Headquarters, 12th Air Force, General Orders No. 85 (June 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Vincent Myers, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Bombardier of a B-25 type aircraft of the 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force. On 24 April 1944, Captain Myers flew as group bombardier in an attack upon the heavily defended railroad bridge at Orvieto, North Italy. Upon the commencement of the bomb run, direct hits from intense anti-aircraft fire critically wounded the turret gunner and heavily damaged his airplane. Despite the extreme difficulty of maintaining the crippled aircraft on straight and level course, Captain Myers skillfully directed his pilot on a precision bomb run, enabling his formation to cover the objective with a devastating bomb pattern. When mechanical failure prevented the lowering of the landing gear upon the approach to base, Captain Myers assisted other members of the crew in working the emergency release system thereby enabling his pilot to land the stricken bomber safely. On forty-five combat missions his steadfast devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.