- CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOUR -
Established in 1862, this is the highest military decoration in the United States. It is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to officers and enlisted men who in actual conflict with the enemy, distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above the call of duty.
- 2ND LT JOHN “RED” MORGAN'S STORY -
2nd Lt John “Red” Morgan
July 28th, 1943: Continent bound, a B-17 formation was nearing the German coast. The Fortress in which Flight Officer Morgan was flying as co-pilot was beset by a swarm of Nazi fighters. German guns knocked out the oxygen system that supplied the tail, waist and radio gun positions. Cannon shells smashed into the cockpit. The pilot's skull was split open. He fell over the steering wheel and grasped it tightly. The plane began to waver.
Morgan seized the controls on his side and by sheer strength pulled the plane back into formation. The pilot, not conscious of what he was doing, tried to wrest the controls away from Morgan. A shattered interphone made it impossible to call for help. Meanwhile the top turret gunner, severely wounded, fell from his position. The waist, tail and radio gunners were unconscious from lack of oxygen.
Morgan had to decide whether to turn back immediately and risk getting through the enemy fighters alone or try to fly all the way to the target and back with the protection of the formation. In spite of the wild efforts of the fatally wounded pilot to take over the controls, Morgan chose to make the long flight with the formation. For two hours he held his position flying with one hand, fighting off the pilot with the other. At length the navigator entered the compartment and relieved the situation. Morgan's plane got through to the target and dropped its bombs and flew safely home.
- OTHER MEDALS -
Air Medal
This is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight while serving with the USAAF.
Distinguished Flying Cross
This is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight while serving with the USAAF.
European African Middle East Campaign Medal
Established in 1942, the medal was awarded for either combat service or 30 days or greater campaign of non-combat service in the campaign area between 7th December 1941 and the 8th of November 1945.
Distinguished Unit Citation
This citation is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. The citation can be award to either an individual or a unit
