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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) Donald Dale Pucket (ASN: 0-692817), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Bomber with the 343d Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force. On 26 June 1944, while participating in a bombing mission against an enemy aircraft factory in Austria, Lieutenant Pucket’s formation encountered intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire in the target area which severely damaged his plane and wounded one of his gunners. Shortly thereafter, a companion ship in his unit was hit by flak and forced out of the formation. Lieutenant Pucket gallantly elected to fall back with it to add the protection of the guns on his ship and both of these planes were attacked by an enemy aircraft which shot down the other B-24. The attacker was in turn destroyed by one of Lieutenant Pucket’s gunners. His courage and expert pilotage made possible a safe return with his damaged plane from deep in enemy territory, and a safe landing at home base, despite great mechanical difficulties. By his outstanding courage, professional skill and devotion to duty as evidenced throughout over twenty-nine (29) successful missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Pucket has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    343d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    98th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 9, 1944
    War Department, General Orders No. 48, June 23, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donald Dale Pucket (ASN: 0-692817), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 343d Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force. First Lieutenant Pucket took part in a highly effective attack against vital oil installation in Ploesti, Rumania, on 9 July 1944. Just after “bombs away,” the plane received heavy and direct hits from anti-aircraft fire. One crewmember was instantly killed and six others severely wounded. The airplane was badly damaged, two were knocked out, the control cables cut, the oxygen system on fire, and the bomb bay flooded with gas and hydraulic fluid. Regaining control of his crippled plane, First Lieutenant Pucket turned its direction over to the copilot. He calmed the crew, administered first aid, and surveyed the damage. Finding the bomb bay doors jammed, he used the hand crank to open them to allow the gas to escape. He jettisoned all guns and equipment but the plane continued to lose altitude rapidly. Realizing that it would be impossible to reach friendly territory he ordered the crew to abandon ship. Three of the crew, uncontrollable from fright or shock, would not leave. First Lieutenant Pucket urged the others to jump. Ignoring their entreaties to follow, he refused to abandon the three hysterical men and was last seen fighting to regain control of the plane. A few moments later the flaming bomber crashed on a mountainside. First Lieutenant Pucket, unhesitatingly and with supreme sacrifice, gave his life in his courageous attempt to save the lives of three others.