Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

97th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European and North African Theatres of Operations. Lieutenant Altman’s outstanding courage and proficiency as bombardier on a B-17 type aircraft have contributed greatly to the success of the many combat missions in which he has taken part. On 9 May 1943, he acted as lead bombardier for a formation of more than one hundred B-17 type aircraft in the devastating bombing of Palermo, Sicily. All though his ship was seriously damaged by both flak and fighters and two of the crew were wounded before reaching its objective, Lieutenant Altman calmly concentrated on his bomb sight. Though the ship quivered from bursts of heavy anti-aircraft shells and his navigator fired his guns continuously in - repelling successive attacks as the enemy desperately attempted to turn the lead ship, he drooped his bombs squarely on the target. While the navigator cared for the wounded, Lieutenant Altman efficiently manned the three flexible nose guns, damaging several fighters and probably destroying two, alertly shifting from one gun to the other as he alternately repulsed attacks from three directions until the navigator returned to assist him in protecting his aircraft on the remainder of the flight to friendly territory. Lieutenant Altman’s outstanding skill and gallantry have consistently reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

with oak leaf cluster

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)