Pearl Harbor Pilots

Five Army Air Corps pilots were credited with downing at least one Japanese aircraft during the Dec. 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. They are from left,
1st Lt. Lewis M. Sanders ,
2nd Lt. Philip M. Rasmussen,
2nd Lt. Kenneth M. Taylor ,
2nd Lt. George S. Welch , and
2nd Lt. Harry W. Brown posing before a P-36 at Wheeler Field.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

GEORGE S. WELCH , Second Lieutenant , 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Air Corps, United States Army.
For extraordinary heroism in action over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, De member 7, 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese Forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., he left Wheeler Field and proceeded by automobile, under fire, to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his Squadron were stationed. He immediately, on his own initiative, took off for the purpose of attacking the invading Japanese aircraft in attacking force, and proceeded to his initial point over Barbers Point. At time of take off he was armed only with caliber .30 machine guns. Upon arrival over Barbers Point he observed a formation of approximately twelve planes over Ewa, about one thousand feet below and ten miles away. Accompanied only by one other pursuit ship, he immediately attacked this enemy formation and shot down an enemy dive bomber with one burst from three caliber .30 guns. At this point he discovered that one caliber.30 gun was jammed. While engaged in combat his plane was hit by an incendiary bullet, which passed through the baggage compartment just in the rear of his seat. He climbed above the clouds, checked his plane, returned to the attack over Barbers Point, and immediately attacked a Japanese plane running out to sea, which he shot down, the plane falling into the ocean. No more enemy plans being in sight he proceeded to Wheeler Field to refuel and replenish ammunition. Just as refueling and reloading were completed but before his guns had been repaired, a second wave of about fifteen enemy planes approached low over Wheeler Field. Three came at him and he immediately took off, headed straight into the attack, and went to the assistance of a brother officer, who was being attacked from the rear. This enemy plane burst into flames and crashed about half way between Wahiawa and Haleiwa. During this combat his plane was struck by three bullets from the rear gun of the ship he was attacking. One striking his motor (sic), one the propeller and one the cowling. This attack wave having disappeared, he returned to the vicinity of Ewa and found one enemy plane proceeding seaward, which he pursued and shot down about five miles off shore, immediately thereafter returning to his station at Haleiwa Landing Field. Lieutenant WELCH'S initiative, presence of mind, coolness (sic) under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden unexpected enemy air attack.

TAYLOR, KENNETH M.,
Kenneth M. Taylor, second Lieutenant, 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, December 7, 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., he left Wheeler Field and proceeded by automobile, under fire, to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. He immediately, on his own initiative, took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number of planes in the attacking force, and proceeded to his initial point over Barbers Point. At time of take-off his plane was equipped with caliber .30 machine guns only. Upon arrival over Barbers Point, he observed a formation of approximately twelve planes over Ewa, about one thousand feet below and ten miles away. Accompanied by only one other pursuit ship he immediately attacked this enemy formation and shot down two enemy planes. No more enemy planes being in sight he proceeded to Wheeler Field to refuel and replenish ammunition. Just as reloading was completed but before ammunition boxes had been removed a second wave of enemy planes attacked Wheeler Field, approaching directly toward him at low altitude. Although Lieutenant Taylor had been advised that he should not go up again he made a quick take-off ending in a chandelle, thereby saving his plane as he escaped from a superior force of eight to ten planes by climbing into the clouds. Lieutenant Taylor's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

By order of the Secretary of War G.G. Marshall, Chief of Staff

Welch and Taylor

In the haste of the Army high command in Hawaii to get the citation for Lt. Welch and Lt. Taylor's heroism to the U. S. War Dept. in Washington, DC, it does not even mention Taylor was wounded on his second flight -- a factor always given serious consideration in the awarding of medals for combat. Taylor was wounded early in his second flight, but continued his aerial combat with the Japanese attackers until he had expended his ammunition for the second time. Another apparent error in the citation is when it states Taylor "proceeded to Wheeler Field to replenish fuel and ammunition." Taylor was adamant that he and Welch were not refueled before taking off from Wheeler, only rearmed with .50 caliber rounds. Finally, the citations make no mention of the probability of lives saved and property damage avoided by the two pilots downing several attackers including Japanese bombers. No Medals of Honor were issued to pilots, reportedly because they did not properly request permission of take off.

Citation for SILVER STAR

BISHOP, SAMUEL W.
The Silver Star is presented to Samuel W. Bishop, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 44th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, at Bellows Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese Forces on Bellows Field and the vicinity, and while under fire, First Lieutenant Bishop attempted to take off to engage the enemy, and in so doing was wounded and his plane so badly damaged that he was forced to make a crash landing in the waters nearby, and though wounded managed to swim ashore. Lieutenant Bishop's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

BROWN, HARRY M. *
The Silver Star is presented to Harry M. Brown, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When a surprise attack was launched by a large number of Japanese airplanes on Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii, and the vicinity thereto, Second Lieutenant Brown immediately proceeded by automobile to the Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were located. The trip was made under heavy enemy fire. Upon arrival at Haleiwa Landing Field, he took off with an airplane for the purpose of attacking the enemy forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of planes in the attacking forces. He engaged an enemy aircraft and carried on combat until the enemy made his escape in a cloud formation. Shortly after this encounter, he flew over Kaene Point where two of the hostile forces pursued a friendly aircraft in battle. Lieutenant Brown immediately attacked, shooting one of the enemy down and aiding in driving off the other. Lieutenant Brown's expertness in battle during this engagement was instrumental in saving the life of the pilot in the friendly aircraft. Again, after being joined by another of the friendly forces, Lieutenant Brown attacked a hostile aircraft and continued to fire upon it until his ammunition ran out. The enemy aircraft was last seen by him heading out to sea in evident distress. Lieutenant Brown's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off the sudden and unexpected enemy air attack of 7 December 1941.

Citation for SILVER STAR

DAINS, JOHN L. *
The Silver Star is presented to John L. Dains, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Haleiwa Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When the American forces on Oahu were surprised by a heavy attack launched by Japanese forces, Lieutenant Dains took off to combat the enemy in a P-40 type airplane without advance information regarding the strength, disposition or type of enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Dains flew three missions on the morning of 7 December 1941, a total of approximately two and one- half hours. The first two missions were flown in a P-40 type airplane, and the third mission in a P-36 type airplane. He was killed in action during the third mission. Lieutenant Dains' undaunted courage and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off the sudden enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

MOORE, MALCOM A.
The Silver Star is presented to Malcom A. Moore, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Moore proceeded by automobile, under heavy fire, to the hangar line where he assisted in extinguishing a fire in the hangar, thereby saving aircraft and ammunition. While the aircraft was being loaded with ammunition he was continuously under enemy fire of both cannon and machine guns. As soon as his guns were loaded he immediately took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to a position over Kaena Point where he encountered an enemy aircraft which he immediately attacked and made a number of direct hits. Due to a heavy cloud formation the enemy aircraft managed to make his escape. Unable to locate any other enemy craft he returned to Wheeler Field. First Lieutenant Moore's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

RASMUSSEN, PHILIP M.
The Silver Star is presented to Philip M. Rasmussen, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity, Second Lieutenant Rasmussen took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Bellows Field, where he encountered six enemy aircraft. Though outnumbered with only three other aircraft in the flight he immediately attacked the enemy formation and shot one down in flames. He returned his plane safely to Wheeler Field although it had been damaged by enemy machine gun and cannon fire during the encounter. Lieutenant Rasmussen's presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

ROGERS, ROBERT J.
The Silver Star is presented to Robert J. Rogers, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Rogers proceeded by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. As soon as his plane had been serviced he immediately took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Haleiwa, where he encountered an enemy aircraft which he immediately attacked, and when last seen by him it was disappearing into a cloud bank streaming black smoke. After this encounter, he and one other pursuit ship attacked two enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Kaena Point. While engaged in this combat his plane was hit by enemy fire. After this encounter he returned to Haleiwa and landed. First Lieutenant Rogers' initiative, presence of mind, and coolness under fire and expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

SANDERS, LEWIS M.
The Silver Star is presented to Lewis M. Sanders, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. During the surprise attack by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941, First Lieutenant Sanders took off with one flight for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first securing information as to the number or type of attacking Japanese aircraft. He proceeded to patrol the vicinity of Bellows Field, where he engaged six enemy planes. Although greatly outnumbered he succeeded in shooting down one enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Sanders' initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, and expert maneuvering of his plane, contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

THACKER, JOHN M.
The Silver Star is presented to John M. Thacker, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., Second Lieutenant Thacker proceeded by automobile to the hangar line where he joined a flight of pursuit aircraft which took off from Wheeler Field for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking forces. The flight encountered an enemy formation of six aircraft in the vicinity of Bellows Field, and though the enemy force was numerically superior, Lieutenant Thacker and other members of the flight immediately attacked the enemy formation. He remained in the attack until after his guns became jammed. Lieutenant Thacker returned his plane safely to Wheeler Field though it had been hit by cannon fire during the encounter. Lieutenant Thacker's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in this first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

WEBSTER, JOHN J.
The Silver Star is presented to John J. Webster, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Webster obtained a Garand rifle and ammunition and kept up a continuous fire until all enemy aircraft had disappeared. He then proceeded by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. He took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking forces, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Haleiwa, then toward Kaena Point, where he encountered two enemy aircraft. Though outnumbered he immediately attacked the enemy formation and continued to engage them until after his controls were damaged and he had received a leg wound from enemy machine gun fire. He then returned his plane safely to the field. First Lieutenant Webster's initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Citation for SILVER STAR

WHITEMAN, GEORGE A. *
The Silver Star is presented to George A. Whiteman, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 44th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, at Bellows Field, Island of Oahu, territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese Forces on Bellows Field and vicinity and while under fire, Second Lieutenant Whiteman attempted to take off to engage the enemy, and while so doing was shot down in flames by enemy aircraft.

More Silver Stars