Colonel George R Bickell (left) Commanding Officer of the Pioneer North American P-51 Mustang Group of the 9th Air force, and Capt Glendon J Buer, one of his squadron operations officers, exchange congratulations during a presentation ceremony in France. Col Bickell [ Nutley NJ ] was awarded the silver star while Capt Buer, Lomita, Calif, received the Silver star and DFC. The pioneer holds three records for fighter groups. They have destroyed more than 500 enemy planes in less than 9 months service; shot down 39 enemy planes in one day. Of the 39 planes shot down, 23 were credited to Capt Buer's squadron. This is the greatest score compiled by a fighter squadron in a single day.