|
|
| PERSONALIA |
| |
| Name: |
Holmes, Walter T. "Tom" |
| Date of birth: | February 4th, 1919
|
| Nationality: |
American |
|
BIOGRAPHY:
Service number 18041211, US Army Air Corps.
Tom Holmes enlisted on 14th July 1941 in Dallas, Texas.
|
| |
|
|
 |
SILVER STAR
|
|
Rank:
|
Captain
|
|
Unit:
|
68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H)
|
|
Action:
|
Received for his share in the Ploesti, Rumania, low level raid on 1st August 1943, Operation Tidal Wave.
|
|
Details:
|
On 2nd February 2009 upgraded to Distinguished Service Cross.
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)
|
|
Rank:
|
Captain
|
|
Unit:
|
68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H)
|
|
Awarded on:
|
February 2nd, 2009
|
|
Action:
|
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."
|
|
Details:
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
)
