Waist gunner Staff Sgt. Earnest Martin, flew on the B-24D, #42-40316, Snake Eyes, Operation Tidal Wave, and was killed in action after being hit by flak splinters over his target, KIA. He was awarded the DSC and PH medals posthumously.



ACTUAL CITATION from General Order No. 86, Headquarters Ninth U.S. Air Force, 11 September 1943



SECTION III...Awards to the 345th Bombardment Squadron



Paragraph 1. By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July, 1918 (Bull. W.D. 43., 1918), and in accordance with authority delegated by the War Department, a Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to each of the following-named enlisted men:



Ernest V. Martin, 32271998, Staff Sergeant, 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, (On DS from the 389th Bombardment Group). For distinguished service, extraordinary heroism, and gallantry in action while participating in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Roumania on 1 August 1943. As armorer-gunner on one of the heavy bombardment aircraft that took part in this raid, Sergeant Martin exhibited heroism and valor of the very highest order. After a long and exhausting flight through enemy territory, the planes entered the target area, which was one of the most heavily defended regions in the world. As they flew into it at an altitude of 200 feet, they were met by a point blank barrage of anti-aircraft fire from powerful ground concentrations. In addition to this, they were opposed by barrage balloons, fighter planes, and the smoke and flame which arose from the burning oil in the target area. Yet, Sergeant Martin, despite these hazards, continued valiantly and expertly to man his gun, damaging the flak batteries with his accurate fire. His courageous devotion to duty reflects great and lasting credit not only upon himself, but upon the service to which he belonged. (This award is made posthumously)

Next of kin: Mrs. Iva Martin (Mother) Pleasantville, New Jersey.