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Lieutenant Brill’s Co-Pilot in this mission, First Lieutenant Allan Lowry, also received a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross for his own role in this mission.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    324th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    91st Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1943

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (May 22, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Allen A. Brill (ASN: 0-442336), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 324th Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, in action while on a bombing mission over enemy occupied continental Europe. The airplane in which Lieutenant Brill was serving was attacked by a force of enemy fighter aircraft and was forced down on the North Sea after a long and gallant fight. In utter disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Brill remained at his post and aided other crew members to leave the airplane; in so doing, he sacrificed his own chance for escape. By his devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal welfare Lieutenant Brill helped to save the lives of other crew members, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.