Distinguished Service Cross Medal with Case, 1944

Containers:

19.0013 - Box 1, Object 001

Scope and content:

Original awarded Distinguished Service Medal with ribbon bar and lapel pin housed in original presentation case. The medal is name engraved on the reverse with "Walter C. Beckham."

Citation for medal:

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 Captain (Air Corps) Walter Carl Beckham (ASN: 0-430771), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 351st Fighter Squadron, 353d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action over enemy occupied Europe on 10 October 1943, while serving as a flight leader on a mission escorting withdrawing bombers. Major Beckham destroyed at unfavorable altitude two enemy aircraft as a result of his aggressiveness and the viciousness of his attacks. Though almost out of ammunition and with a dwindling fuel supply, he voluntarily engaged two additional aircraft. One of the planes he destroyed with the last of his ammunition and the other he drove from the combat area by simulated attack. The courage and aggressiveness of Major Beckham have been an inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 15 (February 11, 1944)

Language:

English

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