Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Kenneth Grant Jewell (ASN: 0-536783), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 9 March 1944, against enemy targets in Germany. On this date, Lieutenant Jewell was Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber on a bombardment mission against military objectives at Brandenburg, Germany. Before reaching the target Lieutenant Jewell’s airplane was hit several times by anti-aircraft shells. A large fragment from one shell completely penetrated Lieutenant Jewell’s left leg, shattering the bone, and severed a large vein causing him extreme pain and shock. The navigator removed Lieutenant Jewell from the pilot’s seat and rendered first aid. Although in an extremely critical and painful condition Lieutenant Jewell, thinking only of the safety of his crew, fought against unconsciousness, retained command of his airplane, and continued to give instructions to the co-pilot and crew members as to necessary details in preparation for a crash landing. Lieutenant Jewell never once mentioned his desperate plight during the two hours’ return flight to base, his sole thought being for the safety of his crew members. The heroism and devotion to duty and to the crew men under his charge displayed by Lieutenant Jewell upon this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    66th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1943 – March 9, 1944

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 300 (April 23, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Kenneth Grant Jewell (ASN: 0-536783), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-24 aircraft on twenty-four heavy bombardment missions over Germany and enemy occupied Continental Europe, from 18 October 1943 to 9 March 1944. While acting in his capacity as Pilot on a mission to Germany, 9 March 1944, Lieutenant Jewell was severely injured by flak which permanently relieved him from active combat duty. By his superior flying ability and judgment, he has on many occasions safely completed missions with a heavily damaged aircraft. The performance of duty far above the usual has distinguished Lieutenant Jewell in the eyes of all those with whom he has served. The courage, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Jewell on all twenty-four operational missions reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    66th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1943

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 7 (January 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Kenneth Grant Jewell (ASN: 0-536783), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, 26 November 1943. En route to the target, one engine of his aircraft ceased to function. In spite of this, Lieutenant Jewell skillfully kept his plane in formation and continued on to the target, which he bombed effectively. After the bombing run another engine became partially disabled, forcing him to abandon the formation and as a result enemy fighters attacked viciously, knocking out another engine. With only one engine operating full power, Lieutenant Jewell maneuvered his aircraft back to England and accomplished a safe landing. The gallantry, determination, and superb airmanship displayed by Lieutenant Jewell reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.