FRE 4920
IMAGELieutenant-Colonel Elliot Vandevanter Jr Commanding Officer of the 385th Bomb Group, signs off a medal recommendation with Lieutenant Wagner and Corporal Joseph Fitzgerald. Passed for publication 1 Nov 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Presentation Of Awards To The Heroic Flyers Of U.S. Eighth Air Force. So many American flyers of the Eighth Air Force have achieved so many high distinctions that the presentation of medals and awards has become a "big business" in England. One of them is Lt.Col. Preston Piper, 27 year old Fortress pilot and Deputy Group Commander of Santa Ana[sic], California,. Col. Piper, a filling station attendant and department store clerk in civilian life, became a fighter pilot three years ago, and was transferred to Forts about a year and a half ago. Leader on numeous highly successful missions against the Nazi. Col. Piper has already been presented the Air Medal and the Soldiers Medal. U.S.Pool/SG/HEL. Keystone. Photo Shows:- Lt. Wagner, and his assistant, Corporal Joseph Fitzgerald, of Joliet, Ill., write up the recommendation for the award, and (as shown in the picture) bring it to the station Commander, Lt. Col. Elliot Vandevanter Jr., Washington, D.C. (center), for his approval. From Col. Vandevanter the recommendation goes to higher headquarters for thorough evaluation by a special awards board. 45.' Censor no: 292905. On reverse: Keystone Press and US General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 385th Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: O-21989
- Highest Rank: Brigadier General
- Role/Job: Commanding Officer