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 Colonel (Air Corps) William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 33d Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 31 March 1943 near ***, Tunisia. While returning from a successful bombing and strafing of a concentration of enemy troops threatening the position of our ground troops near ***, Colonel Momyer led his flight in intercepting twelve ME-109’s. Two enemy craft were destroyed and one damaged in this encounter. The flight became scattered and as he emerged with but one wingman he noted eighteen JU-87’s, escorted by three ME-109’s preparing to attack our ground positions. Realizing their mission, he instantly turned to attack. His wingman’s plane was damaged and the pilot wounded by the first burst of enemy fire. Then, with utter disregard to his personal safety and the odds against him, Colonel Momyer attacked the formation single-handed, destroyed four and damaged seven. A friendly high-cover flight counted seven burning planes on the ground. He continued to press his attack until fuel ran low and then was forced to return to his base through a concentration of anti-aircraft fire. His outstanding skill as combat pilot, his courage and devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, reflects great credit upon himself and the military service of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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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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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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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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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
33d Fighter GroupDivision:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
1943
Headquarters, XII Air Support Command, General Orders No. 17 (May 1, 1943)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 Colonel (Air Corps) William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 33d Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, while leading and directing his Group, during the Tunisian Campaign in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Momyer, 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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Action Date:
December 1943 – September 1945
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy to the Chief of the Tactics Division, the Army Air Forces Board, and later as Executive, The Army Air Forces Board, during the period from December 1943 to September 1945. Colonel Momyer contributed several studies which were profitably used in the theaters of combat. Of outstanding value was his accurate and up-to-date analysis of all known fighter formations, which was of inestimable worth in training combat pilots in this country, and in informing personnel in all theaters of the tactics being employed throughout the Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
33d Fighter GroupDivision:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
January 8, 1943
Headquarters, 12th Air Force, General Orders No. 33 (February 20, 1943)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) William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-40 Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 33d Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, for the destruction of one enemy aircraft, Type ME 109, 8 January 1943. Colonel Momyer has destroyed two enemy aircraft and has participated in thirty sorties against the enemy. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions 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
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
October 8, 1955 – July 25, 1958
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 Brigadier General William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 8 October 1955 to 25 July 1958 as Commander, 312th Fighter Bomber Wing and later as Commander, 832d Air Division. By complete dedication and untiring efforts, General Momyer overcame tremendous obstacles which previously confronted and drastically limited the capability of the tactical units at Cannon Air Force Base. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Momyer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 26, 1958 – October 12, 1961
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 26 July 1958 to 12 October 1961, while assigned as Director and Deputy of Plans, Headquarters Tactical Air Command. His complete knowledge of requirements for a balanced, highly mobile force resulted in sound plans which insured a constantly improving system of weapons and the support necessary for their employment. His untiring efforts in conjunction with elements of CONARC has resulted in greatly improved methods of planning and executing joint force exercises and has enhanced the capability of both tactical air and ground forces. The accomplishments of General Momyer have been of inestimable value to this command and USAF. It is a reflection of great credit on this office and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
October 14, 1961 – February 14, 1964
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-193 (July 31, 1964)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 (Army Design) to Major General William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of Operational Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Requirements, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from 14 October 1961 to 14 February 1964. During this period, the exemplary ability, keen insight, diligence, and devotion to duty of General Momyer were instrumental factors in the improvement of Air Force weapon systems and their capabilities, as well as the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. General Momyer’s unique comprehension of tactical warfare was especially valuable in guiding Air Force and Department of Defense efforts to improve the Nation’s ability to respond effectively to unconventional, as well as limited conventional, warfare. This has increased the overall capability of the Air Force to provide forces to deter or defeat any hostile force throughout the entire spectrum of warfare from insurgency to general nuclear war. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Momyer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 12 June 1951 to 7 July 1953. As Director and later as Deputy Commandant for Evaluation, Colonel Momyer directed the work of the Evaluation Staff of the Air War College. In these capacities he was charged by the Air Force with responsibility for developing strategy, concepts and doctrine for the command and employment of air power. During this period the demands on the Evaluation Staff increased sharply in number and scope largely because of the uncertain course of international events. Furthermore, many of the projects were urgent in their relation to specific actions to be taken by the Air Force in performing its assigned mission. Colonel Momyer met all the requirements placed within his responsibility with outstanding skill and thoroughness. As a direct consequence, the progress of the Air Force during this critical period was aided materially in the fields of weapons systems, command arrangements, policy and doctrine, development programs, joint action by the armed forces, and tactics, strategy and techniques. The success with which he discharged his duties and the effectiveness and energy with which he employed his individual capabilities were instrumental in furthering the objectives of the Air Force in support of its responsibilities for national security.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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 William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Air Operations, United States Military Assistance Command; and Commander, SEVENTH Air Force, from July 1967 to December 1967. During this period, General Momyer’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative in providing highly effective air support for the ground forces and in conducting relentless interdiction of hostile supply lines contributed greatly to the favorable turn in the tide of the conflict. Totally dedicated to marshalling the most appropriate and responsive elements of air power to meet the extraordinary challenge encountered in the Republic of Vietnam, General Momyer continually exhibited eminent abilities as a tactician and planner in the direction of the total air resources commitment in the struggle against communist aggression. General Momyer’s achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and reflect great 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:
July 1966 – July 1967
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (October 26, 1967)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 to his previously awarded Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander, SEVENTH Air Force and Deputy Commander for Air Operations, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam from July 1966 to July 1967. In these positions of high authority General Momyer exhibited outstanding ability as a tactician and planner in his direction of the United States Air Force effort in Southeast Asia. His exemplary leadership in providing highly effective air support for ground forces and conducting relentless interdiction of hostile forces supply lines has made an unprecedented contribution toward the favorable turn in the tide of conflict. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Momyer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
33d Fighter GroupDivision:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
March 29, 1943
Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 37 (April 6, 1943)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 Colonel (Air Corps) William Wallace Momyer (ASN: 0-22862/FR-1964), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 33d Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in North Africa on 29 March 1943. Colonel Momyer, while leading a formation of the pilots of his group, demonstrated outstanding gallantry in action. The courage and skill shown by this pilot reflects great credit upon himself and the armed services of the United States.