The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton, Sr. (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commanding Officer of the 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over Germany on 11 January 1944. Although he was painfully wounded by cannon fire from a determined enemy’s interception more than an hour before arriving at the target, Colonel Milton, refusing aid, directed his Combat Wing to the objective and continued to perform the duties of Co-Pilot of the badly damaged airplane. Upon the withdrawal he remained at his post of duty and led the large formation of aircraft to diversion airdromes, as necessitated by unforeseen adverse weather. He consented to relinquish his post only when all the planes of the formation had landed. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Milton on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Action Date:
October 30, 1944 – April 14, 1945
Headquarters, 1st Air Division, General Orders No. 459 (June 15, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Air Commander of bombardment formations composed of B-17 aircraft of the EIGHTH Air Force on bombing missions over enemy territory on 30 October 1944, 8 November 1944, 2 December 1944, and 3 January 1945 and 14 April 1945. In the performance of these operations Colonel Milton exhibited exemplary leadership and devotion to duty. The exceptional manner in which this officer executed assigned tasks in the face of hazardous opposition from the enemy contributed materially to the effective bombardment of enemy installations. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Colonel Milton on these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1, 1963 – July 15, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters, Pacific Command, from 1 August 1963 to 15 July 1965. During this period, the exemplary ability, foresight, diligence, and devotion to duty consistently demonstrated by General Milton contributed immeasurably to the resolution of the numerous complex operational and planning problems which affected national objectives. The extremely delicate world situation within the Pacific Command required a thorough, comprehensive knowledge of the political, military, cultural and personality traits of the peoples within the vast area of the Pacific. His display of these traits in the presence of foreign and domestic governmental officials commanded their utmost respect and admiration. General Milton, on numerous occasions acted as the direct representative of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, on highly sensitive planning and operational conferences wherein the decision rendered had a direct bearing upon the future actions of the United States Government in world affairs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Milton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralAction Date:
March 19, 1969 – July 31, 1974
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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Milton distinguished himself as Vice Director of the NATO International Military Staff; Deputy Chairman, NATO Military Committee; and the United States Representative to the NATO Military Committee, from 12 March 1969 to 31 July 1974. General Milton’s devotion to duty, personal integrity, high professional qualifications and keen strategic insight have combined to make him an effective representative of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. For these same reasons, he is highly respected as an international military leader as well. While serving in this international capacity, his diplomacy, tact, managerial ability, and sound judgment significantly improved the efficiency of NATO’s military staff and the effectiveness of the Military Committee. While United States Military Representative, General Milton’s thorough knowledge of important issues, gained through more than five years of close association with the top military leaders of Western Europe, enabled him to make valuable contributions toward the achievement of many important objectives of the United States in Europe. The singularly distinctive accomplishment of General Milton culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
February 1967 – March 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Milton distinguished himself as the Inspector General of the Air Force from February 1967 to July 1967, and as Comptroller of the Air Force from August 1967 to July 1969. During this period, General Milton’s profound knowledge of all aspects of Air Force operations resulted in the formation of a highly productive inspection organization. His initiative, technical skill, and unusual managerial ability enhanced the capability of the Air Force and Department of Defense to logistical support world-wise commitments to national defense in his most effective and economical manner. Through his experience and comprehensive knowledge of data automation, financial management, and analysis of management problems, he directed numerous programs to support logistical demands, and played a vital role in maintaining a sound defense posture. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Milton reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
91st Bombardment Group (H)Division:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
August 12, 1943
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 210 (November 18, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton, Sr. (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Combat Wing of B-17 airplanes on a bombing mission over Germany on 12 August 1943. Colonel Milton directed the unit from his position as Pilot of the leading aircraft. In spite of fierce enemy opposition and a heavy overcast, a target of vital importance to the enemy’s air effort was virtually destroyed. The excellent results obtained can be attributed to the gallantry and superb leadership displayed by Colonel Milton. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Milton, 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
1st Bombardment DivisionDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
May 30, 1944
Headquarters, 1st Bombardment Division, General Orders No. 91 (June 11, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Air Commander of a Combat Bombardment Wing of B-17 aircraft of the EIGHTH Air Force, on a heavy bombardment mission over Germany, 30 May 1944. On this date, Colonel Milton led his formation on a penetration deep into Germany although lacking the protection of a high group. Skillfully avoiding enemy anti-aircraft fire and hostile fighter opposition he tenaciously held his course and completed a highly successful run on the target. Bombs were released with such accuracy that extensive damage was inflicted upon the vitally important enemy installation. The high degree of leadership demonstrated by Colonel Milton contributed materially to the outstanding success of this operation. The courage, coolness and proficiency of this officer reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
1st Bombardment DivisionDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
May 4, 1943 – October 30, 1944
Headquarters, 384th Bomb Group, General Orders No. 599 (December 8, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane of the EIGHTH Air Force on a number of combat bombardment missions over Germany and German-occupied countries from 4 May 1943 to 30 October 1944. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Colonel Milton on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Milton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 1, 1944 – May 12, 1949
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 84 (October 11, 1949)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Theodore Ross Milton (ASN: 0-23307), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during August 1944 to 12 May 1949. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Milton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.