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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Arthur Thomas Finney (AFSN: FR-41887), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1952
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 283 (March 15, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arthur Thomas Finney (AFSN: FR-41887), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy held territory as a flight leader of four F-84 aircraft on an interdiction mission near Kwaksan, Korea, on 18 April 1952. While pulling off his bomb run, a member of Lieutenant Finney’s flight was hit by flak. His aircraft caught fire, and he informed Lieutenant Finney that he was bailing out. Lieutenant Finney returned to the flak infested area and spotted the pilot descending in his parachute. While informing Air Sea Rescue of the downed pilot’s position, Lieutenant Finney observed armed enemy troops approaching from two direction. He led his flight on numerous strafing passes in the midst of intense small arms fire, killing an unknown number of hostile troops, and preventing the capture of the downed pilot. This aggressive display of leadership and pilot ability reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-777 (September 27, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Thomas Finney (AFSN: FR-41887), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over North Vietnam on 1 August 1966. On that date, Colonel Finney was leading a flight of F-104 aircraft providing close escort cover for accompanying strike aircraft. On arrival in the target area, Colonel Finney began the extremely hazardous task of providing top cover in the deadly missile environment. On repeated occasions, he was forced to evade the deadly rockets backed by heavy flak. After each occasion, Colonel Finney would again regain his vulnerable position, although at high risk to his own life, in order to maintain the fighter cover and provide vital support to the strike aircraft. It was largely through his heroic efforts that the strike aircraft were unmolested by hostile fighter aircraft throughout the entire flight. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Finney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.