416th Bombardment Group (L) Individual Medals Details

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Details on Individual Awards to Soldiers in the 416th Bomb Group are included below.

U.S. Military Decorations	U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons	Special Skill Badges	French Medals
Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Soldiers Medal Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Air Medal	Prisoner Of War Medal World War II Victory Medal	Motor Vehicle Driver and Mechanic Badge	French Croix de Guerre French Legion Of Honor Medal

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army's second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force.

Four Soldiers in the 416th BG were documented in the Group History as receiving the Distinguished Service Cross.
2Lt Tommie J. Sims (Hq-USSTAF GO 48, 3 August 1944) NARA AF Award Card
1Lt John W. Kehoe (Hq-USSTAF GO 24, 13 March 1945) NARA AF Award Card
Maj Leland C. Nielsen (Hq-USSTAF GO 29, 23 March 1945) NARA AF Award Card
Cpt Paul G. Atkinson Jr. (Hq-USSTAF GO 55, 27 May 1945) NARA AF Award Card


      
(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Distinguished Service Cross (United States))

3–10. Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) a. The DSC, 10 USC 3742, was established by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by Act of 25 July 1963). b. The DSC is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a MOH; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing or foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from their comrades. c. The DSC is a valor award and will not be awarded for achievement or service. The appropriate equivalent award for achievement or service is the Distinguished Service Medal. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 58. (PDF copy))

See also U.S. Army Distinguished Service Cross Recipients

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The Silver Star (SS) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat.

Four Soldiers in the 416th BG were documented in the Group History as receiving the Silver Star.
1Lt Charles L. McGlohn (9th AF GO 162, 15 June 1944) NARA AF Award Card
Maj Murdoch W. Campbell (9th AF GO 170, 30 June 1944) NARA AF Award Card
1Lt Peter G. Royalty (9th AF GO 283, 6 December 1944) NARA AF Award Card
1Lt Dale G. Ackerson(9th AF GO 88, 30 May 1945) NARA AF Award Card



      
(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Silver Star)

3–12. Silver Star (SS) a. The SS, 10 USC 3746, was established by Act of Congress 9 July 1918 (amended by Act of 25 July 1963). b. The SS is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the DSC, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. c. Those individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, received a citation for gallantry in action in World War I published in orders issued by a headquarters commanded by a general officer may convert the citation to the SS upon letter application to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. d. The SS is a valor award and will not be awarded for achievement or service. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 58. (PDF copy))

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The Legion of Merit (LM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

One Soldier in the 416th BG was documented in the Group History as receiving the Legion of Merit - Corporal Lester H. McPeak of the 670th Bomb Sq (L). "As an armament mechanic he had devised many adjustments and modifications for both the A-20 Havocs and the A-26 Invaders. These were accepted on several occasions by the Army Air Forces and were incorporated in further modifications of these planes."

Corporal McPeak received his Legion of Merit award via HQ-ETO GO 117, 11 June 1945 as noted on his NARA AF Award Card


      
(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Legion of Merit)

3–13. Legion of Merit (LM) a. The LM was established by Act of Congress 20 July 1942 (PL 671–77th Congress). EO 9260, 29 October 1942 prescribed the criteria for the award and was amended by EO 10600, 15 March 1955. b. The LM is awarded to any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States or a friendly foreign nation who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. c. Criteria for members of the Armed Forces of the United States are as follows:   (1) The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty, assignment, or experience of an indi-vidual is not an adequate basis for this award.   (2) For service not related to actual war, the term "key individuals" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war, which requires evidence of significant achievement. In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner. However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.   (3) Award will be made without reference to degree. d. The LM may be awarded with the "C" device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement per-formed under combat conditions on or after 7 January 2016. See paragraph 6–6 for "C" device criteria. e. The LM for specific achievement may be awarded with the "R" device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation on or after 7 January 2016. See paragraph 6–7 for "R" device criteria. f. Criteria for members of Armed Forces of foreign nations are in paragraph 1–38. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 58-59. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Distinguished Flying Cross (United States))

3–14. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) a. The DFC, 10 USC 3749, was established by Act of Congress 2 July 1926. b. The DFC is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distin-guished himself or herself by valor, heroism, or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.   (1) The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his or her comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances.   (2) Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy. c. When the DFC is awarded for valor on or after 7 January 2016, a bronze letter "V" (for valor) is worn on the suspen-sion and service ribbon of that medal. d. The DFC may be awarded with the "C" device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement per-formed under combat conditions on or after 7 January 2016. See paragraph 6–6 for "C" device criteria. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 59. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Soldier's Medal)

3–15. Soldier's Medal (SM) a. The SM was established by Act of Congress 2 July 1926, as amended by 10 USC 3750. b. The SM is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, including RC Soldiers not serving in a duty status, as defined in 10 USC 101(d), at the time of the heroic act, who distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. c. The minimum degree of heroism required is comparable to that of the DFC for heroism. The extraordinary act must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his or her comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. d. The heroism must have involved a clearly recognizable personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. e. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of saving a life, assisting emergency personnel, or acting as a "good Samaritan". f. The SM may be awarded for non-combat heroism in a combat zone or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hostile fire pay, or hazardous duty pay.   (1) Since the SM is only awarded for non-combat heroism, the "V" and "C" devices are not authorized.   (2) This determination must be made solely on the specific circumstances of the event.   (3) If the heroism to be recognized was performed under combat conditions, a decoration for valor is the appropriate award. g. A SM recommendation will be disapproved or downgraded to an ARCOM. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 59. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Bronze Star Medal)

3–16. Bronze Star Medal (BSM) a. The BSM was established by EO 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by EO 11046, 24 August 1962, as amended by EO 13286, 28 February 2003 and PL 111–383, Section 571 of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act). b. The BSM is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, or a friendly foreign nation, after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. 10 USC 1133 limits award of the BSM to Servicemembers receiving imminent danger pay, hostile fire pay or hazardous duty pay and members of a friendly military force who are serving in a geographic area in which special pay is authorized under 37 USC 310 or 37 USC 351(a) (1) and (3) or special pay under any of the following circumstances:   (1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.   (2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.   (3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. c. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the SS. d. When the BSM is awarded for valor, a bronze letter "V" (for valor) is worn on the suspension and service ribbon of that medal. e. The BSM will not be awarded with the "C" device. The "C" device is not authorized because the BSM is a combat related award and service or achievement under combat conditions is inherent to the medal. f. If downgraded, a BSM recommendation will be downgraded to an ARCOM. g. The BSM may be awarded for meritorious achievement or meritorious service according to the following:   (1) Prior to 7 January 2016, awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The lesser degree than that required for the award of the LM must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinc-tion.   (2) The BSM may also be awarded for meritorious service under combat conditions that is of a lesser degree than that required for award of the LM. However, for meritorious service that ended after 7 January 2016, the BSM may only be awarded if during the period, the awardee was exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action. Otherwise the appropriate award would be the MSM.   (3) Award may be made to each Servicemember of the Army who, after 6 December 1941, has been cited in orders or awarded a certificate for exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945, inclusive, or whose meritorious achievement has been otherwise confirmed by documents executed prior to 1 July 1947. For this purpose, an award of the CIB or CMB is considered as a citation in orders. Award of the BSM from these documents will not negate the original award or the CIB or CMB. Documents executed since 4 August 1944 in connection with recommendations for the award of decorations of higher degree than the BSM will not be used as the basis for an award under this paragraph. Veterans and retirees may submit letter application to National Personnel Records Center (NPRC–MPR), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138–1002. Soldiers who retired or were discharged after 1 October 2002 and the primary next of kin of Soldiers who died after 1 October 2002 should send their letter application to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. The letter application should include documentary evidence, if possible.   (4) Upon letter application, award of the BSM may be made to eligible Soldiers who participated in the Philippine Islands Campaign between 7 December 1941 to 10 May 1942. Performance of duty must have been on the island of Luzon or the Harbor Defenses in Corregidor and Bataan. Only Soldiers who were assigned or attached to units that were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (redesignated as the PUC) may be awarded this decoration. Letter application should be sent to National Personnel Records Center (NPRC–MPR), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138–1002. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 59-60. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Purple Heart)

2–8. Purple Heart (PH) a. The PH was originally established by General George Washington at Newburgh, NY, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per War Department General Orders 3, on 22 February 1932. The PH is currently awarded pursuant to EO 11016, 25 April 1962; EO 12464, 23 February 1984; Public Law (PL) 98–525, 19 October 1984 amended by PL 100–48, 1 June 1987; PL 103–60, 30 November 1993; PL 104–106, 10 February 1996; PL 105–85, 18 November 1997; and PL 113–260. While clearly an individual decoration, the PH differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather, he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria. b. The PH is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States under the jurisdiction of the SECARMY who, after 5 April 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received, under any of the following circumstances:   (1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.   (2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.   (3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.   (4) As the result of an act of any such enemy or opposing Armed Forces.   (5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force.   (6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the SECARMY, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed Services concerned if persons from more than one Service are wounded in the attack.   (7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.   (8) After 7 December 1941, pursuant to 10 USC 1129, as a result of friendly fire provided the member was killed or wounded in action by friendly weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, other than the result of an act of an enemy of the United States, unless (in the case of a wound) the wound is the result of the willful misconduct of the member.   (9) On or after 7 December 1941, to a member who is killed or dies while in captivity as a POW under circumstances establishing eligibility for the POW medal paragraph 2–10, unless compelling evidence is presented that shows the mem-ber’s death was not the result of enemy action. (Partial Extract from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 24; Additional details are on pages 24-27. (PDF copy))

See also 416th BG Purple Heart Awards (PDF)

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Air Medal)

3–18. Air Medal (AM) a. The AM was established by EO 9158, 11 May 1942, as amended by EO 9242–A, 11 September 1942. b. The AM is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, who has distinguished himself or herself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of valor, merit or heroism, or for meritorious service as described below:   (1) Awards may be made for acts of heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a bellig-erent party, which are of a lesser degree than required for award of the DFC.   (2) Awards may be made for a single act of meritorious achievement, involving superior airmanship, which are of a lesser degree than required for award of the DFC, but nevertheless were accomplished with distinction beyond that nor-mally expected.   (3) Awards for meritorious service may be made for sustained distinction in the performance of duties involving regular and frequent participation in aerial flight for a period of at least 6 consecutive months (a month is considered 30 calendar days). In this regard, accumulation of a specified number of hours and missions will not serve as the basis for award of the AM. Criteria in paragraph 3–18b(1) concerning conditions of conflict are applicable to award of the AM for meritorious service.   (4) Awards for meritorious, deployed service of six cumulative months, with no limitations on the number of deploy-ments within a 24-month period for certain Special Operations Aviation and Military Intelligence Aerial Reconnaissance units with an exception to policy approved by The Adjutant General. Exception to policy requests will be submitted to HRC, ADB with full justification and supporting documentation. c. Award of the AM is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crewmember or noncrew-member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However, it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status, or individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while per-forming the function of a crewmember, but who are not on flying status as prescribed in AR 600–106. These individuals must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission or to the mission of the aircraft in flight. Examples of personnel whose combat duties require them to fly include those in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy and those directly involved in airborne command and control of combat opera-tions. Involvement in such activities, normally at the brigade and/or group level and below, serves only to establish eligi-bility for award of the AM; the degree of heroism, meritorious achievement, or exemplary service determines who should receive the award. Awards will not be made to individuals who use air transportation solely for the purpose of moving from point to point in a combat zone. d. Numerals, starting with 2, will be used to denote second and subsequent awards of the AM (see para 6–4). e. When the AM is awarded for valor, a bronze letter "V" (for valor) is worn on the suspension and service ribbon of that medal. f. The AM may be awarded with the "C" device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement per-formed under combat conditions on or after 7 January 2016. See paragraph 6–6 for "C" device criteria. g. Operators of unmanned aerial vehicles may only be awarded the AM if they are physically on an aircraft during the cited period and meet the above criteria for the AM. The intent of this addition is not to award the AM for unmanned aerial vehicles operations, but rather to recognize unmanned aerial vehicles operators for their actions in flight under conditions that warrant the AM. h. All AM recommendations that are downgraded will be approved as an ARCOM. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 61. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Prisoner of War Medal)

2–10. Prisoner of War Medal (POW Medal) a. The criteria for award of the POW Medal is codified in 10 USC 1128. It is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917. b. The POW Medal is to be issued only to those U.S. military personnel and other personnel granted creditable U.S. military service, who were taken prisoner and held captive—   (1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.   (2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.   (3) While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. c. The POW Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, who was held captive under circumstances not covered by paragraph 2–10b but which the SECARMY finds were compa-rable to those circumstances under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy armed forces during periods of armed conflict. Award of the POW Medal under comparable conditions provisions is the exception and not the rule. Authority to award the POW Medal under this provision may not be delegated below the SECARMY. (Partial Extract from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 28; Additional details are on pages 28-30. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org World War II Victory Medal)

2–29. World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal was established by an Act of Congress 6 July 1945 (59 Stat 461). It is awarded for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946, both dates inclusive. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 47. (PDF copy))

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(Badge and Bar image from Wikipedia.org Driver and Mechanic Badge)

8–20. Driver and Mechanic Badge a. The Driver and Mechanic Badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles and equipment. b. Any commander in the rank of LTC/O–5 or higher may approve award of the Driver and Mechanic Badge. c. Component bars are authorized only for the following types of vehicles and/or qualifications:   (1) Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles).   (2) Driver-T (for tracked vehicles).   (3) Driver-M (for motorcycles).   (4) Driver-A (for amphibious vehicles).   (5) Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles).   (6) Operator-S (for special mechanical equipment). d. The eligibility requirements for drivers require that a Soldier must—   (1) Qualify for and possess a current OF 346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicles Operator’s Identification Card), issued as prescribed by AR 600–55; and   (2) Be assigned duties and responsibilities as a driver or assistant driver of Government vehicles for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, or during at least 8,000 miles with no Government motor vehicle accidents or traffic violations rec-orded on his or her DA Form 348–1 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft) continuation sheet); or   (3) Perform satisfactorily for a minimum period of 1 year as an active qualified driver instructor or motor vehicle driver examiner. e. The eligibility requirements for mechanics require that a Soldier must—   (1) Pass aptitude tests and complete the standard mechanics’ course with a "skilled" rating or have demonstrated pos-session of sufficient previous experience as an automotive or engineer equipment mechanic to justify such a rating.   (2) Be assigned to primary duty as an automotive or engineer mechanic, unit level or higher, or be an active automotive or engineer mechanic instructor.   (3) If required to drive an Army motor vehicle in connection with automotive mechanic or automotive mechanic in-structor duties, qualify for motor vehicle operators permit as prescribed above, and perform duty which includes driving motor vehicles for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, and have no Army motor vehicle accidents or traffic violations recorded on his or her DA Form 348 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft)). f. The eligibility requirements for operators of special mechanical equipment require that a Soldier or civilian whose primary duty involves operation of Army materials handling or other mechanical equipment must have completed 12 consecutive months or 500 hours of operation, whichever comes first, without accident or written reprimand as the result of his or her operation, and his or her operating performance must have been adequate in all respects. (Extracted from Army Regulation 600-8-22 "Military Awards" pg 120-121. (PDF copy))

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(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Croix de Guerre)

The Croix de Guerre may be awarded either as an individual award or as a unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. The decoration was first awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts; the croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures ("cross of war for external theatres of operations") was established in 1921 for these. The Croix de Guerre was also commonly bestowed on foreign military forces allied to France. (Extracted from Wikipedia.org Croix de Guerre)

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Four Veterans of the 416th BG have received this prestigious Medal -
1st Lt. Harold D. "Dave" ANDREWS, Jr., Pilot, 671st BS -- December 18, 2019
1st Lt. Robert J. BASNETT, Bombardier/Navigator, 671st BS
T/Sgt. Roland E. DULLNIG, Crew Chief, 668th BS -- February 8, 2020
Cpl. Alberie J. "Frenchie" NADEAU, Clerk, 671st BS -- March 6, 2020
(French Legion Of Honor Medal Awards to 416th BG Veterans)

      
(Medal and Service Ribbon images from Wikipedia.org Legion of Honour)

Legion of Honour, officially National Order of the Legion of Honour, (French: Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur), premier order of the French republic, created by Napoleon Bonaparte, then first consul, on May 19, 1802, as a general military and civil order of merit conferred without regard to birth or religion provided that anyone admitted swears to uphold liberty and equality. (Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica) This prestigious Medal has been recently awarded by the people of France to American Veterans who fought for the liberation of France during World War II. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. (Extracted from French Legion Of Honor Medal Awards to 416th BG Veterans )

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