Rank:

Major

Unit:

Assistant Attaché for Aviation

Awarded on:

1928

"For heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving as Assistant Attaché for Aviation, London, England, on 21 September 1926 in rescuing Commander Robert A Burg, United States Navy, from a burning aeroplane near Kenley Aerodrome, London, England. Although injured and in a semi-dazed condition due to the crash, Major Tinker was able to get clear of his burning plane, but when he realized that Commander Burg was still in the cockpit, he rushed back into the flames in an attempt to rescue his passenger. He was driven back by the intense heat, but returned to the other side, and after repeated and determined efforts, being badly burned in the attempt, he extricated Commander Burg and dragged him, unconscious to a place of safety."

War Department, General Orders No. 2

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army Air Forces

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Assuming command of the HAWAAIAN Air Force, and all Army Air Forces troops in the Hawaiian Department, on 18 December 1941, his wide knowledge of Army Air Forces tactics and his inspiring leadership brought those organizations to the highest standards of training. In the early part of June 1942, he anticipated an attempted Japanese raid on Midway Island and prepared a heavy bombardment task force to participate in the repulse of that raid and the ultimate marked defeat of the Japanese attacking forces. In the final phase of this battle he personally took command of a flight on an attack mission of extremely dangerous nature, and in the highest traditions of the Service elected to execute the mission rather than detail it to a subordinate. This gallant officer and his entire crew, all of whom volunteered to participate in the mission with full knowledge of the nature thereof, were lost at sea. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tinker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

Posthumously awarded

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ Squadron, VII Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces

Posthumously awarded

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ Squadron, VII Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces

Posthumously awarded

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)