Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Uzal Girard Ent, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, IX Bomber Command, NINTH Air Force. During the period 17 March 1943 to 1 August 1943, General Ent has most successfully launched the units under his command in destructive blows against vital Axis targets located in Sicily, Italy, Greece and Rumania. These assaults upon enemy shipping and strategic targets located throughout the Mediterranean and along the southern shores of Europe materially contributed to the success of our own and Allied ground forces operating in North Africa and Sicily. This has been accomplished in a large part through this officer’s skillful and detailed planning, coordination of administrative and materiel matters and his wide and intimate knowledge of the strategic employment of heavy bombardment as best exemplified by the successful raid on Rome on 19 July 1943, and the devastating low level attack against the oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania, on 1 August 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ent and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    1939 – 1942

    War Department, General Orders No. 2 (January 13, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Air Corps) Uzal Girard Ent, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Military AttachŽ to Peru from 1939 to 1942. As senior neutral military observer on the Peruvian side during the settlement of the recent Peruvian-Ecuadorian dispute. The confidence in and admiration for Colonel Ent of the Commander in Chief of the Peruvian Army and all other Peruvian Officers with whom he worked was a substantial factor in the successful agreement reached at Talara, which finally established a demilitarized zone between the two combatants. His ability, intelligence, and initiative gave him the full confidence and cooperation of his Argentine and Brazilian colleagues on their joint mission Throughout this arduous period, he performed these clearly exceptional duties in a superior manner and concurrently maintained the outstanding caliber of his regular duties as military attachŽ. Colonel Ent’s duties in this capacity were far above normal to his grade or assignment, and throughout brought international credit to the Army of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    376th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 81 (August 20, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Brigadier General Uzal Girard Ent (ASN: 0-15604), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Mission Commander for a force of B-24 Heavy Bombers of the NINTH Air Force, engaged in in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. Brigadier General Ent as overall mission commander for this raid, flew with Colonel Keith Compton (376th Bombardment Group (H)), in the lead airplane of the entire force of American heavy bombardment aircraft that attacked Ploesti on 1 August, 1943. In this operation, one of the longest mass bombing flights and one of the most daring low-level attacks in aviation history, General Ent coolly and courageously directed his force at tree-top level and in the face of blazing anti-aircraft fire and balloon barrages to a position from which it could bomb the target successfully. Brigadier General Ent’s action in this perilous situation was one of utmost heroism and superb airmanship. His personal courage and zealous devotion to duty have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Regiment:

    9th Bombardment Command

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January – October 1944

    War Department, General Orders No. 88 (November 23, 1944)

    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 Major General Uzal Girard Ent, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 9th Bombardment Command, NINTH Air Force, from January to October 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ent and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    9th Bombardment Command

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Uzal Girard Ent, 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 as Commanding General, 9th Bombardment Command, NINTH 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 Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    May 30, 1928

    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1928)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Uzal Girard Ent, U.S. Army Air Corps, for heroism while participating in an aerial flight, as side to First Lieutenant Paul Evert, Air Corps, pilot, during the national balloon race starting from Bettis Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 30 May 1928. Their balloon was struck by lightning or received a heave charge of electricity during a severe electrical storm while over Youngwood, Pa. at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet, instantly killing the pilot setting the balloon on fire, and severely shocking and partially paralyzing Lieutenant Ent. He endeavored to relieve his pilot, not being sure that he had been killed, but was unsuccessful. Although the balloon was burning and slipping, he maneuvered it to land safely without injury to private property. When the balloon collapsed about 20 feet above the ground the remaining hydrogen bas burned quickly, destroying the envelope and net. Disregarding his own personal safety and with great devotion to duty, Lieutenant Ent stayed with the balloon at the risk of his life instead of landing with his parachute. His courage, Daring, and heroism reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.