(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Frederick Choate Eaton (ASN: 0-395142), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber with the 301st Bombardment Group (HEAVY), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Eaton, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Frederick Choate Eaton (ASN: 0-395142), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 14 February 1942. On that date his bomber was on a mission to attack enemy shipping in Rabul’s Simpson Harbor in New Guinea. After the plane departed from Townsville, Australia, shortly after midnight, it arrived over the Japanese base of Rabaul, on the northeastern portion of New Britain at daybreak in the midst of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Although one bombing run was made over the ships in the harbor, faulty racks prevented the release of the bombs. Despite the sight of pursuing enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Eaton made another run over the target which resulted in the release of all but two of the 600-pound bombs. As the ship was leaving the target area, it was attacked by eight zero fighters. After the enemy withdrew from the 30-minute engagement and a fuel shortage forced the pilot to land in the swamps of New Guinea, survived a prolonged ordeal for five weeks, while they endured hunger, thirst, and malaria, as they worked their way back to their unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Eaton, 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.