6 Replies Latest reply on Nov 26, 2019 9:29 PM by John Harnly

Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients

John Harnly Nov 26, 2019 9:29 PM

According to newspaper reports my Dad, David E. Harnly, received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in medium bomber combat missions over the coast of France during WWII. I've been trying to find an official record of the award but have not had any luck. Any suggestions on where to look?

Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients

Elliot Schneider Nov 27, 2019 9:51 AM (in response to John Harnly)

John,

He was with the 449th BS 323rd BG 9th AF plane called "Murder Inc." I may have some orders from the 9th AF. I would suggest contacting the NPRC they maybe able to provide you with a copy of the citation of the award. Found the award card from RG 64 for his AM. See below

Thanks,

Elliot Schneider
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- Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients
  
  Elliot Schneider Nov 27, 2019 9:58 AM (in response to Elliot Schneider)
  
  Here is the record for his citation showing the GO# below
  
  Thanks,
  
  Elliot Schneider
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- Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients
  
  John Harnly Nov 28, 2019 11:18 AM (in response to Elliot Schneider)
  
  This a AWESOME!! However, I need to show my ignorance .. could use some help with the acronyms:
  GO - Figured out that is General Order
  BS - Bomber Squadron?
  BG - Bomber Group?
  AF - Probably Air Force
  NPRC - ?
  OLC - ?
  
  Also, not sure how to interpret the sequence of GOs on the Air Medal Decoration form. Are those dates of assignments? dates of awards? A combination of both?
  
  Also, FYI, I've got pictures of Dad with the Murder Inc plane.
  
  Thanks much for the quick response
  
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  - Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients
    
    Elliot Schneider Dec 2, 2019 3:01 PM (in response to John Harnly)
    
    John,
    
    GO - General Orders
    BS - Bomber Squadron
    BG - Bomber Group
    AF - Air Force
    NPRC - National Personnel Records Center
    OLC - Oak Leaf Clusters
    PH- Purple Heart
    BS- Bronze Star
    AM- Air Medal
    DFC- Distinguished flying cross
    
    They usually issue the first medal in this case the Air Medal then anything after that is represented by an OLC going forward to show additional awards of that medal.
    
    These were mostly like awards that were issued after the mission or campaign. Hope these acronyms help you.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Elliot Schneider
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    - Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients
      
      John Harnly Dec 3, 2019 2:30 PM (in response to Elliot Schneider)
      
      Excellent! Thanks so much for your help.
      
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Re: Seeking official list of WWII Distinguished Flying Cross recipients

Lisha Penn Dec 5, 2019 3:07 PM (in response to John Harnly)

Dear Mr. Harnly,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

Army Air Force and Air Force records in the custody of the National Archives do not include general orders. We suggest you contact the Air Force Historical Research Agency, 600 Chennault Circle, Building 1405, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112-6424. The web site is https://www.afhra.af.mil/.

You also may wish to search the Distinguished Flying Cross website.

We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your family research!

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