Holmes, Walter T. "Tom"
- Date of birth:
- February 4th, 1919
- Date of death:
- May 25th, 2009
- Service number:
- 18041211
- Nationality:
- American (1776 - present, Republic)
Biography
Tom Holmes enlisted on 14th July 1941 in Dallas, Texas.
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Silver Star Medal (SSM)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Captain
- Unit:
- 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H)
On 2nd February 2009 upgraded to Distinguished Service Cross.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Captain
- Unit:
- 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H)
- Awarded on:
- February 2nd, 2009
Citation:
"For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Rumania on August 1943. As Operations Officer of the 68th Bombardment Squadron, Captain Holmes piloted a lead aircraft in a formation of B-24 type aircraft that attacked a highly important oil refinery at extremely low altitude. Because of the nature of the target it was imperative for the lead pilot to follow an exact course to and over the target. Some fifteen miles before reaching the objective, Captain Holmes’ aircraft was subjected to heavy point blank anti-aircraft and machine -gun fire. Knowing that to take evasive action would disrupt the close flying formation, Captain Holmes, thinking only of the complete destruction of his separate target ahead, and with complete disregard for personal risk of life, kept fast to the course leading his formation through fire and smoke straight over the target. His courageous determination and exceptional piloting skill made possible the successful and full destruction of his target."
On 2nd February 2009 the Silver Star was upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross by the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. The decoration was presented at the Barksdale Air Force Base, by Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, vice commander of the 8th Air Force.
"For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Rumania on August 1943. As Operations Officer of the 68th Bombardment Squadron, Captain Holmes piloted a lead aircraft in a formation of B-24 type aircraft that attacked a highly important oil refinery at extremely low altitude. Because of the nature of the target it was imperative for the lead pilot to follow an exact course to and over the target. Some fifteen miles before reaching the objective, Captain Holmes’ aircraft was subjected to heavy point blank anti-aircraft and machine -gun fire. Knowing that to take evasive action would disrupt the close flying formation, Captain Holmes, thinking only of the complete destruction of his separate target ahead, and with complete disregard for personal risk of life, kept fast to the course leading his formation through fire and smoke straight over the target. His courageous determination and exceptional piloting skill made possible the successful and full destruction of his target."
On 2nd February 2009 the Silver Star was upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross by the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. The decoration was presented at the Barksdale Air Force Base, by Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, vice commander of the 8th Air Force.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Officier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: US Air Force Photo
- - NARA-AAD
- The Army Times
- Llama Ramblings
Photo
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