Medal Of Honor

[Boom]

Sixteen (16) MoH were awarded to fighter pilots in WWII.

Only one went to the European Theatre of Operations, namely Major James Howard for his actions on 11 January, 1944 over Germany.

The other fifteen (15) were all awarded for actions over the Pacific. Nine (9) to USMC aviators, four (4) to the USAAF and two (2) to USN aviators.

Now looking at those stats, one could be forgiven for thinking that fighter pilots serving in the Pacific Theatre were more brave than those who served in the Med or over Europe. Which is obviously not the case.

Which raises the question why were 'the powers that be' in Europe so begrudging as compared to the Pacific?

The RAF was even more stingy regarding the UK's highest award. Only one fighter pilot in WWII received the Victoria Cross, James Nicolson, and he was badly burned bailing out of his Hurricane on 16 August, 1940.

[Trooper117]

10 hours ago, Boom said:

The RAF was even more stingy regarding the UK's highest award.

Always been the case old chap... I wouldn't worry about it, it's all very normal.

[OriginalCustard]

One of the most fascinating recipients of the Victoria cross for me has to be Major Robert Henry Cain. He was awarded it at Arnham. For those that haven't seen it there was a program in the early 2000s retelling his amazing exploits. Presented by Jeremy Clarkson and for those that don't know Henry Cain was his father-in-law. 

[wheelsup_cavu]

3 hours ago, OriginalCustard said:

for those that don't know Henry Cain was his father-in-law

Until now I was one of those.

 

Wheels

[Mysticpuma]

9 hours ago, OriginalCustard said:

One of the most fascinating recipients of the Victoria cross for me has to be Major Robert Henry Cain. He was awarded it at Arnham. For those that haven't seen it there was a program in the early 2000s retelling his amazing exploits. Presented by Jeremy Clarkson and for those that don't know Henry Cain was his father-in-law. 

Yep, great Documentary. Especially when the building next to him got blown up by a tank shell.

Also the follow up was another fantastic episode:

 

 

[Boom]

12 hours ago, Trooper117 said:

Always been the case old chap... I wouldn't worry about it, it's all very normal.

Only to Fighter pilots. Bomber Command saw 22 Victoria Cross Awards.

[wheelsup_cavu]

Nice finds @Mysticpuma.

 

Wheels

[Talisman]

On 6/5/2023 at 1:20 AM, Boom said:

Sixteen (16) MoH were awarded to fighter pilots in WWII.

Only one went to the European Theatre of Operations, namely Major James Howard for his actions on 11 January, 1944 over Germany.

The other fifteen (15) were all awarded for actions over the Pacific. Nine (9) to USMC aviators, four (4) to the USAAF and two (2) to USN aviators.

Now looking at those stats, one could be forgiven for thinking that fighter pilots serving in the Pacific Theatre were more brave than those who served in the Med or over Europe. Which is obviously not the case.

Which raises the question why were 'the powers that be' in Europe so begrudging as compared to the Pacific?

The RAF was even more stingy regarding the UK's highest award. Only one fighter pilot in WWII received the Victoria Cross, James Nicolson, and he was badly burned bailing out of his Hurricane on 16 August, 1940.

Amazing story here regarding RAF Bomber aircrew VC.

By April 1944 Jackson had flown 30 missions and was a “tour expired” flight engineer with the rank of sergeant in 106 Squadron. Although not obliged to fly, he volunteered to accompany his crew, who still had operational sorties to complete.

See link below to find out what happened next:

Sergeant Norman Jackson VC | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Happy landings,

Talisman