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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Commanding Officer of the 384th Bombardment Group of the EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 17 July 1943. The B-17 Bomber, leading a combat wing, in which he was serving as co-pilot was viciously attacked by a large formation of enemy fighter airplanes, and as a result the pilot was rendered unconscious, the bombardier and navigator were wounded, and the nose and pilot compartments were set on fire. In spite of the smoke and flames from the fire, Lieutenant Colonel Buck administered first aid to the pilot, fought the fire, and, at the same time, acting as pilot, kept the wing formation together, thereby protecting the stragglers and bringing them safely back to a friendly air base. The extraordinary coolness, courage, and heroism displayed by this officer were directly responsible for the safe return of the other personnel and aircraft of the combat wing. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Buck on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
1964 – 1966
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), 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 as Chief of Staff, FIFTH Air Force, from 1964 to 1966. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Buck 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
Bombardment GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of a Bombardment Squadron, and later of a Bombardment Group of the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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:
ColonelRegiment:
Air Transport CommandDivision:
Randolph Air Force BaseAction Date:
1957 – 1959
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Air Transport Command, Randolph Air Force Base, from 1957 to 1959. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Buck 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
Bombardment GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of a Bombardment Squadron, and later of a Bombardment Group of the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
Bombardment GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) William Edward Buck, Jr. (ASN: 0-23072), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of a Bombardment Squadron, and later of a Bombardment Group of the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.