The 6th Bomb Group

Honors and Awards

Group Honors

Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC)

	The Army Distinguished Unit Citation (later the Presidential Unit Citation) was awarded for "for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy".
All members of the unit may wear the decoration, whether or not they personally participated in the acts for which the unit was cited. However, only those assigned to the unit at the time of the action cited may wear the decoration as a permanent award. The ribbon shown above includes an "Oak Leaf Cluster" indicating two awards. The 6th Bomb Group received two Distinguished Unit Citations: The May 25 Mission over Tokyo The July Mining Missions

The Army Distinguished Unit Citation (later the Presidential Unit Citation) was awarded for "for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy".

All members of the unit may wear the decoration, whether or not they personally participated in the acts for which the unit was cited. However, only those assigned to the unit at the time of the action cited may wear the decoration as a permanent award.

The ribbon shown above includes an "Oak Leaf Cluster" indicating two awards.

The 6th Bomb Group received two Distinguished Unit Citations:

The May 25 Mission over Tokyo
The July Mining Missions

Individual Medals and Awards

Silver Star

	The Silver Star is the third highest medal for valor (below the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross). The Silver Star is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

9 members of the 6th Bomb Group received the Silver Star: Mission #20. Mitsubishi Aircraft Co, Nagoya (Apr 7): Sgt Fannon (gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded, thereby staving off enemy fighters and saving the plane. Sgt Slotter (gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded, thereby staving off enemy fighters and saving the plane. Mission #43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23): Lt Sam A. Parks (aircraft commander, 24th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Tinian. Lt Jay K. Anderson (aircraft commander, 39th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Tinian Lt Milton Garfinkle (bombardier, 24th squadron) - For manning his guns while wounded. S/Sgt Herman L. Anderson (left gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded. Mission #44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25): Capt. Arthur M. Clay, Jr. (39th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Iwo Jima after May 25 mission where all crew members bailed out. Sgt Richard Neel (member of Capt Clay's crew) - For staying at his post while wounded to assist in bringing the aircraft to Iwo Jima. There, he was bailed out within one hundred yards of a hospital. Mission #74. Yawata Steel Works (Aug 8): Lt Jack A. Henshaw (39th squadron) - For skill in flying his damaged aircraft to an emergency landing on Okinawa, after the Aug 7 Yawata mission, saving the lives of the entire crew.

The Silver Star is the third highest medal for valor (below the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross). The Silver Star is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

9 members of the 6th Bomb Group received the Silver Star:

Mission #20. Mitsubishi Aircraft Co, Nagoya (Apr 7):

Sgt Fannon (gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded, thereby staving off enemy fighters and saving the plane.

Sgt Slotter (gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded, thereby staving off enemy fighters and saving the plane.

Mission #43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23):

Lt Sam A. Parks (aircraft commander, 24th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Tinian.

Lt Jay K. Anderson (aircraft commander, 39th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Tinian

Lt Milton Garfinkle (bombardier, 24th squadron) - For manning his guns while wounded.

S/Sgt Herman L. Anderson (left gunner, 24th squadron)- For manning his guns while wounded.

Mission #44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25):

Capt. Arthur M. Clay, Jr. (39th squadron) - For bringing battle-damaged plane back to Iwo Jima after May 25 mission where all crew members bailed out.

Sgt Richard Neel (member of Capt Clay's crew) - For staying at his post while wounded to assist in bringing the aircraft to Iwo Jima. There, he was bailed out within one hundred yards of a hospital.

Mission #74. Yawata Steel Works (Aug 8):

Lt Jack A. Henshaw (39th squadron) - For skill in flying his damaged aircraft to an emergency landing on Okinawa, after the Aug 7 Yawata mission, saving the lives of the entire crew.

Legion of Merit

	The Legion of Merit is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States without reference to degree for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award.

One man in the 6th Bomb Group received the Legion of Merit: Col. Kenneth H. Gibson

The Legion of Merit is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States without reference to degree for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award.

One man in the 6th Bomb Group received the Legion of Merit:

Col. Kenneth H. Gibson

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

	The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.

Over 300 members of the 6th Bomb Group (about 1/3 of the air crews) received the DFC. The following is a partial listing. The DFC Citations are included with the mission to show the circumstances under which the medals were earned. By accident or design, the DFC was generally awarded to crews with around 25 missions. But, as the Citations show, they earned every one of them. Contrary to what Ernie Pyle said, these were not "milk runs". Mission 16. Shimonoseki Straits (Mar 27) Crew #4012 "Earthquake McGoon" Mission 20. Mitsubishi Aircraft Company (Apr 7) Crew #2406 "Sharon Linn" Crew #4011 "Rattle N' Roll" Mission 25. Kawasaki Urban Area (Apr 15) Crew #2405 "Big Joe" Crew #40?? Mission 28. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 21) Crew #3902 "Anne Garry #3" Crew #3904 "Here's Lucky" Crew #4011 "Lady Annabelle" Mission 29. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 22) Crew #3916 Cpt Clayton L. Anderson (A/C, 40BS) Mission 30. Hitachi Aircraft Company (Apr 24) Crew #2413 Crew #3905 "Look Homeward Angel" Mission 33. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 28) Cpt Herbert A. Frank, Jr. (A/C, 39BS) Cpt Clayton L. Anderson (A/C, 40BS) Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24) Crew #2407 "Incendiary Journey" Crew #2408 S/Sgt John R. Creek (Radio, 39BS) Crew #4001 Mission 44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25-26) Crew #2419 "Irish Lullaby" Crew #3908 "Snugglebunny" Crew #4003 "Connecticut Yankee" Crew #4009 "Little Jeff" Crew #40?? "Battlin' Betty" Mission 45. Yokohama Urban Area (May 29) Crew #3915 Mission 46. Osaka Urban Area (June 1) Crew #2415 "Shasta" Crew #4014 Mission 47. Kobe Urban Area (June 5) Crew #2412 Crew #3903 "Lucky Strike" Crew #3910 "Do It Again" Crew #39?? Crew #4002 Mission 48. Osaka Urban Area (June 7) Crew #4015 "Tojo's Nightmare" Mission 62. Rashin, Fusan in Korea (July 11) Crew #4012 "Flak Alley Sally" The most recent member of the 6th Bomb Group to receive this award is Clarence Pressgrove, who received his DFC in 2003. The officer who had originally recommended Pressgrove for the medal in 1945 was killed during a training flight and the award was never made.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.

Over 300 members of the 6th Bomb Group (about 1/3 of the air crews) received the DFC. The following is a partial listing. The DFC Citations are included with the mission to show the circumstances under which the medals were earned. By accident or design, the DFC was generally awarded to crews with around 25 missions. But, as the Citations show, they earned every one of them. Contrary to what Ernie Pyle said, these were not "milk runs".

Mission 16. Shimonoseki Straits (Mar 27)

Crew #4012 "Earthquake McGoon"

Mission 20. Mitsubishi Aircraft Company (Apr 7)

Crew #2406 "Sharon Linn"
Crew #4011 "Rattle N' Roll"

Mission 25. Kawasaki Urban Area (Apr 15)

Crew #2405 "Big Joe"
Crew #40??

Mission 28. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 21)

Crew #3902 "Anne Garry #3"
Crew #3904 "Here's Lucky"
Crew #4011 "Lady Annabelle"

Mission 29. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 22)

Crew #3916
Cpt Clayton L. Anderson (A/C, 40BS)

Mission 30. Hitachi Aircraft Company (Apr 24)

Crew #2413
Crew #3905 "Look Homeward Angel"

Mission 33. Kanoya East Airfield, Kyushu (Apr 28)

Cpt Herbert A. Frank, Jr. (A/C, 39BS)
Cpt Clayton L. Anderson (A/C, 40BS)

Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24)

Crew #2407 "Incendiary Journey"
Crew #2408
S/Sgt John R. Creek (Radio, 39BS)
Crew #4001

Mission 44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25-26)

Crew #2419 "Irish Lullaby"
Crew #3908 "Snugglebunny"
Crew #4003 "Connecticut Yankee"
Crew #4009 "Little Jeff"
Crew #40?? "Battlin' Betty"

Mission 45. Yokohama Urban Area (May 29)

Crew #3915

Mission 46. Osaka Urban Area (June 1)

Crew #2415 "Shasta"
Crew #4014

Mission 47. Kobe Urban Area (June 5)

Crew #2412
Crew #3903 "Lucky Strike"
Crew #3910 "Do It Again"
Crew #39??
Crew #4002

Mission 48. Osaka Urban Area (June 7)

Crew #4015 "Tojo's Nightmare"

Mission 62. Rashin, Fusan in Korea (July 11)

Crew #4012 "Flak Alley Sally"

The most recent member of the 6th Bomb Group to receive this award is Clarence Pressgrove, who received his DFC in 2003. The officer who had originally recommended Pressgrove for the medal in 1945 was killed during a training flight and the award was never made.

Soldiers Medal

	The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life. For example, someone who rescues trapped crewmembers from a burning or ditched plane might qualify for this award.

At least 31 members of the 6th Bomb Group received the Soldiers Medal. They include: 1/Lt Dean J. Jordan Mutoh (A/C, 39BS) [Apr 22] Sgt Charles S. Lyczko (CFC, 40BS) [Mar 27] Sgt Charles R. Albert (L Gunner, 40BS) [Mar 27]

The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.

For example, someone who rescues trapped crewmembers from a burning or ditched plane might qualify for this award.

At least 31 members of the 6th Bomb Group received the Soldiers Medal. They include:

1/Lt Dean J. Jordan Mutoh (A/C, 39BS) [Apr 22]
Sgt Charles S. Lyczko (CFC, 40BS) [Mar 27]
Sgt Charles R. Albert (L Gunner, 40BS) [Mar 27]

Bronze Star

	The Bronze Star is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Many members of the ground crews, particularly the Crew Chiefs, received Bronze Stars as recognition for the long hours they spent keeping the planes in the air.

Some of the recipients were: Cpt Robert P. Johnston (Ordnance Officer) M/Sgt Paul C. Higgins (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Robert V. Grandstaff (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Joseph S. Nozarweski (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt James C. Pearson (24BS) [awarded Sep 19] T/Sgt George H. Caldwell (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Tyrus C. Wood (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Herbert L. Jamison (24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Jack B. Reynolds (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Jeff Watson (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] Sgt Morris A. Landau (24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Robert W. McLaughlin (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] T/Sgt William R. Smith (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Harry W. Wilson (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Wilbur B. Patterson, Jr. (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Lloyd T. Mestepey (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Joseph P. Cote (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Horace J. Drakeley (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Dennis L. Chance (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Bernard G. Persinger (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Julian E. Pencovic (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Eugene E. Bucher (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Henry A. Rowen (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Glen D. Potts (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19] T/Sgt Daniel Jacobs (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Leon Levin (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] T/Sgt William J. Owens (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt Harold J. Brussell (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] T/Sgt Henry A. Cornett (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Orval H. Sharp (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] S/Sgt John S. Biehl (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19] M/Sgt Firman W. Jackson (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]

The Bronze Star is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

Many members of the ground crews, particularly the Crew Chiefs, received Bronze Stars as recognition for the long hours they spent keeping the planes in the air.

Some of the recipients were:

Cpt Robert P. Johnston (Ordnance Officer)
M/Sgt Paul C. Higgins (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Robert V. Grandstaff (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Joseph S. Nozarweski (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt James C. Pearson (24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
T/Sgt George H. Caldwell (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Tyrus C. Wood (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Herbert L. Jamison (24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Jack B. Reynolds (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Jeff Watson (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
Sgt Morris A. Landau (24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Robert W. McLaughlin (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
T/Sgt William R. Smith (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Harry W. Wilson (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Wilbur B. Patterson, Jr. (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Lloyd T. Mestepey (Crew Chief, 24BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Joseph P. Cote (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Horace J. Drakeley (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Dennis L. Chance (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Bernard G. Persinger (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Julian E. Pencovic (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Eugene E. Bucher (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Henry A. Rowen (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Glen D. Potts (Crew Chief, 39BS) [awarded Sep 19]
T/Sgt Daniel Jacobs (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Leon Levin (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
T/Sgt William J. Owens (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt Harold J. Brussell (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
T/Sgt Henry A. Cornett (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Orval H. Sharp (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
S/Sgt John S. Biehl (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]
M/Sgt Firman W. Jackson (Crew Chief, 40BS) [awarded Sep 19]

Air Medal

The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the armed forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Air crews received an Air Medal for first 5 mission; a bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for each additional 5 missions and a silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of five bronze.

Most air crew who served with the 6th Bomb Group received an Air Medal (for 5 missions). Those who flew 35 missions also received a silver Oak Leaf Cluster (for the next 25) and a bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (for the last 5 missions).

Army Commendation Ribbon (now Medal)

In WWII this decoration was originally only a ribbon and was awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, other than General Officers, who distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Awards may be made for acts of valor performed which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal. These acts may involve aerial flight. An award may be made for acts of noncombatant-related heroism which do not meet the requirements for an award of the Soldier’s Medal.

Bronze "V" device worn to denote Valor/Heroism in Combat. Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze.

Purple Heart

	This is the one medal that no one wanted to earn. At the beginning of the war, this medal was awarded for valor or for injuries received in combat. Later in the war, the medal was awarded only for injuries (although the word "Valor" still appears on the back of the medal). Those who earned this medal deserve our special respect and thanks.

At least 34 members of the 6BG received this award. Some shipped home. Others returned to combat. The recipients include: S/Sgt Joseph D. Duggan (Radio, 40BS) [Feb 19] Cpl James R. Clark (Radio, "Grider Gal" 39BS) [Mar 4] S/Sgt James H. Wiseman (Radarman, 40BS) [Mar 16] S/Sgt Theodore F. Malzolm (R Gunner, "Trigger Mortis" 39BS) [Mar 28] S/Sgt Wallace L. Peebles (L Gunner, "Trigger Mortis" 39BS) [Mar 28] T/Sgt Delbert L. Gruver (Engineer, "Flak Alley Sally" 40BS) [May 29] Sgt Arthur B. Fannon (CFC, 24BS) [Apr 7] Sgt Joseph L. Slotter (R Gunner, 24BS) [Apr 7] Sgt Edward E. Birsner (Radarman, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7] Sgt William P. Ford (CFC, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7] Sgt Thomas F. Wipperman (R Gunner, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7] Sgt John A. Douglas (L. Gunner, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7] Maj Alton P. Donnell (Pilot, 24BS) [Apr 22] 1/Lt C. A. Juskiewicz (Bombardier, 24BS) [Apr 22] 1/Lt Sam A. Parks (A/C, "Uncle Sam's Milkwagon, 24BS) [May 23] Sgt Herman L. Anderson (L Gunner, "Uncle Sam's Milkwagon, 24BS) [May 23] Sgt Clarence E. Hitchcock (Radio, "Big Joe" 24BS) [May 23] S/Sgt Daniel V. Manfredi (R Gunner, "Shasta" 24BS) [May 23] S/Sgt Richard M. Neel (L Gunner, "Anne Garry #3" 39BS) [May 25] S/Sgt John C. Ward (CFC, "Forever Amber" 39BS) [Jun 5] S/Sgt James L. Morgan (Gunner, "Forever Amber" 39BS) [Jun 5] 2/Lt Zeno A. Uhle (Bombardier, "Tokyo Trolley" 39BS) [Jun 5] 1/Lt Clinton L. Wride (Bombardier, "Sharon Linn" 24BS) [Jul 19] T/Sgt Francis E. Scopel (CFC, "Here's Lucky" 39BS) [???]

This is the one medal that no one wanted to earn. At the beginning of the war, this medal was awarded for valor or for injuries received in combat. Later in the war, the medal was awarded only for injuries (although the word "Valor" still appears on the back of the medal).

Those who earned this medal deserve our special respect and thanks.

At least 34 members of the 6BG received this award. Some shipped home. Others returned to combat. The recipients include:

S/Sgt Joseph D. Duggan (Radio, 40BS) [Feb 19]
Cpl James R. Clark (Radio, "Grider Gal" 39BS) [Mar 4]
S/Sgt James H. Wiseman (Radarman, 40BS) [Mar 16]
S/Sgt Theodore F. Malzolm (R Gunner, "Trigger Mortis" 39BS) [Mar 28]
S/Sgt Wallace L. Peebles (L Gunner, "Trigger Mortis" 39BS) [Mar 28]
T/Sgt Delbert L. Gruver (Engineer, "Flak Alley Sally" 40BS) [May 29]
Sgt Arthur B. Fannon (CFC, 24BS) [Apr 7]
Sgt Joseph L. Slotter (R Gunner, 24BS) [Apr 7]
Sgt Edward E. Birsner (Radarman, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7]
Sgt William P. Ford (CFC, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7]
Sgt Thomas F. Wipperman (R Gunner, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7]
Sgt John A. Douglas (L. Gunner, "Snooky" 24BS) [Apr 7]
Maj Alton P. Donnell (Pilot, 24BS) [Apr 22]
1/Lt C. A. Juskiewicz (Bombardier, 24BS) [Apr 22]
1/Lt Sam A. Parks (A/C, "Uncle Sam's Milkwagon, 24BS) [May 23]
Sgt Herman L. Anderson (L Gunner, "Uncle Sam's Milkwagon, 24BS) [May 23]
Sgt Clarence E. Hitchcock (Radio, "Big Joe" 24BS) [May 23]
S/Sgt Daniel V. Manfredi (R Gunner, "Shasta" 24BS) [May 23]
S/Sgt Richard M. Neel (L Gunner, "Anne Garry #3" 39BS) [May 25]
S/Sgt John C. Ward (CFC, "Forever Amber" 39BS) [Jun 5]
S/Sgt James L. Morgan (Gunner, "Forever Amber" 39BS) [Jun 5]
2/Lt Zeno A. Uhle (Bombardier, "Tokyo Trolley" 39BS) [Jun 5]
1/Lt Clinton L. Wride (Bombardier, "Sharon Linn" 24BS) [Jul 19]
T/Sgt Francis E. Scopel (CFC, "Here's Lucky" 39BS) [???]

Service Medals

Prisoner of War (POW) Medal

	The Prisoner of War Medal was not created until 1985. This medal is awarded to U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Members of the 6th Bomb Group who are entitled to this medal may have to request one.

At least 34 members of the 6th Bomb Group should qualify for this medal, including: Mission 16. Shimonoseki Straits (Mar 27) 1/Lt William C. Grounds (A/C, "Peacemaker", 40BS) 2/Lt Ollin W. Williams (Pilot, "Peacemaker", 40BS) 2/Lt William J. C. Leslie (Navigator, "Peacemaker", 40BS) 2/Lt Jack M. Melvin Hobbie (Bombardier, "Peacemaker", 40BS) M/Sgt Neal R. Cooper (Engineer, "Peacemaker", 40BS) S/Sgt Arvid A. McPherson (Radio, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Sgt Harold P. Peterson (Radarman, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Sgt Maynor B. Hanks (CFC, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Sgt Clarence L. Pressgrove (R Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Sgt Julian W. Steele (L Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Sgt Warren R. Ralph Thompson (T Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS) Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24) 1/Lt John B. Boynton (A/C, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) 1/Lt Rollin E. Heidlebaugh (Pilot, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) 1/Lt Albert S. Somoser (Navigator, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) 2/Lt Franklyn S. Green (Bombardier, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) M/Sgt Roger L. Townsend (Engineer, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) S/Sgt Frank C. Massey (Radio, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) S/Sgt Kenneth E. Creech (Radar, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) T/Sgt David G. Farquhar (CFC, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) Sgt Milan E. Danany (R Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) Sgt Stephen Spega (L Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) Sgt Robert A. Franz (T Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS) Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24) 2/Lt Harold J. John Anderson (Pilot, 39BS) F/O William A. Mitchell (Navigator, 39BS) Sgt Michael Boyko (39BS) Cpl Albert P. Lounsberry (39BS) Cpl Joseph E. Costello (39BS) Cpl Ralph G. Sasser (39BS) Mission 44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25-26) S/Sgt Harry D. Magnuson (39BS) Mission 66. Inland Sea Harbors (July 19) 2/Lt Paul A. Trump ("Sharon Linn", 24BS) Cpt Gordon P. Jordan (A/C, "Sharon Linn", 24BS) M/Sgt George E. McGraw (Engineer, "Sharon Linn", 24BS) M/Sgt Walter W. Wiernick (Radio, "Sharon Linn", 24BS) S/Sgt Walter W. Dickerson (R Gunner, "Sharon Linn", 24BS)

The Prisoner of War Medal was not created until 1985. This medal is awarded to U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

Members of the 6th Bomb Group who are entitled to this medal may have to request one.

At least 34 members of the 6th Bomb Group should qualify for this medal, including:

Mission 16. Shimonoseki Straits (Mar 27)

1/Lt William C. Grounds (A/C, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
2/Lt Ollin W. Williams (Pilot, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
2/Lt William J. C. Leslie (Navigator, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
2/Lt Jack M. Melvin Hobbie (Bombardier, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
M/Sgt Neal R. Cooper (Engineer, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
S/Sgt Arvid A. McPherson (Radio, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
Sgt Harold P. Peterson (Radarman, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
Sgt Maynor B. Hanks (CFC, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
Sgt Clarence L. Pressgrove (R Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
Sgt Julian W. Steele (L Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS)
Sgt Warren R. Ralph Thompson (T Gunner, "Peacemaker", 40BS)

Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24)

1/Lt John B. Boynton (A/C, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
1/Lt Rollin E. Heidlebaugh (Pilot, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
1/Lt Albert S. Somoser (Navigator, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
2/Lt Franklyn S. Green (Bombardier, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
M/Sgt Roger L. Townsend (Engineer, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
S/Sgt Frank C. Massey (Radio, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
S/Sgt Kenneth E. Creech (Radar, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
T/Sgt David G. Farquhar (CFC, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
Sgt Milan E. Danany (R Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
Sgt Stephen Spega (L Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)
Sgt Robert A. Franz (T Gunner, "Blind Date/Lady's Delight", 24BS)

Mission 43. Tokyo Urban Area (May 23-24)

2/Lt Harold J. John Anderson (Pilot, 39BS)
F/O William A. Mitchell (Navigator, 39BS)
Sgt Michael Boyko (39BS)
Cpl Albert P. Lounsberry (39BS)
Cpl Joseph E. Costello (39BS)
Cpl Ralph G. Sasser (39BS)

Mission 44. Tokyo Urban Area (May 25-26)

S/Sgt Harry D. Magnuson (39BS)

Mission 66. Inland Sea Harbors (July 19)

2/Lt Paul A. Trump ("Sharon Linn", 24BS)
Cpt Gordon P. Jordan (A/C, "Sharon Linn", 24BS)
M/Sgt George E. McGraw (Engineer, "Sharon Linn", 24BS)
M/Sgt Walter W. Wiernick (Radio, "Sharon Linn", 24BS)
S/Sgt Walter W. Dickerson (R Gunner, "Sharon Linn", 24BS)

Good Conduct Medal

The Good Conduct Medal was awarded to enlisted personnel who honorably served one year of federal military service while the United States is at war. Clasps are awarded for second and subsequent awards.

Most members of the 6th Bomb Group received this award.

Campaign Medals

American Campaign Medal

The American Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the American Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946. One bronze star is worn on the ribbon to indicate participation in an authorized air combat campaign from 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45.

Everyone in the 6th Bomb Group should have received this medal. All air crews should have received a bronze star.

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Battle Stars

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946. In addition, personnel received Campaign and Battle Stars (attached to the ribbon) for participating in any of 21 defined campaigns. 6th Bomb Group personnel received the following:

[06] Air Offensive, Japan (17 Apr 42 - 2 Sep 45) [order dated 21 Aug 1945]
[13] Eastern Mandates (7 Dec 43 - 14 Jun 44) [order dated 25 Sep 1945]
[21] China Offensive (5 May 45 - 2 Sep 45) [order dated 20 Feb 1946]

Everyone in the 6th Bomb Group should have received this medal. Most should have received 3 Stars.

World War II Victory Medal

The World War II Victory Medal was awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who served at least one day of active federal service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.

Everyone in the 6th Bomb Group should have received one of these Medals.

Rotation Points

Most important of all, crews received points based on missions flown and time in service. Those who had enough points got to go home. Those who did not remained a "guest" of the military for as long as a full year.

Honorable Discharge Medal

	The Honorable Discharge Medal (the "Ruptured Duck") was awarded to all personnel honorably discharged from the military. It is not worn on the uniform.

Wearing the Ribbons

A Sample "Ribbon Rack" that includes (in order): Distinguished Flying Cross Soldiers Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart Good Conduct, American & Asiatic-Pacific Campaigns, WWII Victory
According to official instructions:
When pinning on your ribbons, start with the lowest ranking one just above the left breast pocket of your blouse or shirt, at the side nearer your left arm. As you go up the ladder of decorations add them to the right of what is already pinned, to make a row of either three or four. 1/8" above the first line apply the next in the same manner. The last row on top, however, is always centered. An easy rule to remember is: The higher the value of the ribbon, the higher it is placed. Ribbon number 1 in the illustration is for the decoration ranking highest in the order of precedence which follows. a. Medal of honor b. Distinguished-Service Cross c. Distinguished-Service Medal d. Silver Star e. Legion of Merit f. Distinguished-Flying Cross g. Soldiers Medal h. Bronze Star Medal i. Air Medal j. Army Commendation Ribbon k. Purple Heart l. Medal for Merit m. Medal of Freedom n. United States of American Typhus Commission Medal o. Good Conduct Medal p. Theatre Medals (in the order you earned them) q. Victory Medal r. Foreign Decorations (in the order prescribed by the countries)
The instructions do not mention the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) or the Prisoner of War (POW) Medal: The DUC might not have been mentioned because, under 1945 Army rules, unit awards (such as the DUC) were worn above the right pocket. Under current practice, the DUC (now the PUC) is worn above the left pocket and is ranked below the "Army Commendation Medal". The POW Medal was not mentioned because it was not issued until 1985. Under current practice the POW medal is worn above the left pocket and is ranked below the "Distinguished Unit Citation".

A Sample "Ribbon Rack" that includes (in order):
Distinguished Flying Cross
Soldiers Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart
Good Conduct, American & Asiatic-Pacific Campaigns, WWII Victory

According to official instructions:

When pinning on your ribbons, start with the lowest ranking one just above the left breast pocket of your blouse or shirt, at the side nearer your left arm. As you go up the ladder of decorations add them to the right of what is already pinned, to make a row of either three or four. 1/8" above the first line apply the next in the same manner. The last row on top, however, is always centered.

An easy rule to remember is: The higher the value of the ribbon, the higher it is placed. Ribbon number 1 in the illustration is for the decoration ranking highest in the order of precedence which follows.

a. Medal of honor
b. Distinguished-Service Cross
c. Distinguished-Service Medal
d. Silver Star
e. Legion of Merit
f. Distinguished-Flying Cross
g. Soldiers Medal
h. Bronze Star Medal
i. Air Medal
j. Army Commendation Ribbon
k. Purple Heart
l. Medal for Merit
m. Medal of Freedom
n. United States of American Typhus Commission Medal
o. Good Conduct Medal
p. Theatre Medals (in the order you earned them)
q. Victory Medal
r. Foreign Decorations (in the order prescribed by the countries)

The instructions do not mention the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) or the Prisoner of War (POW) Medal:

The DUC might not have been mentioned because, under 1945 Army rules, unit awards (such as the DUC) were worn above the right pocket. Under current practice, the DUC (now the PUC) is worn above the left pocket and is ranked below the "Army Commendation Medal".
The POW Medal was not mentioned because it was not issued until 1985. Under current practice the POW medal is worn above the left pocket and is ranked below the "Distinguished Unit Citation".