FRE 1426

IMAGE

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Brigadier-General Curtis LeMay presents Lieutenant-Colonel Preston Piper of the 385th Bomb Group the Soldier's Medal for Gallantry. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication [ilegible] Nov 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘292903.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE HEROIC FLYERS OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE. So many American flyers of the Eighth Air Force here achieved 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, California. Col Piper, a filing station attendant and department store clark in civilian life, became a fighter pilot three years ago, and was transferred to Forts about a year and a half ago. Leader on numerous highly successful missions against the Nazi. Col Piper has already been presented the Air Medal and the Soldiers medal. US Pool/SG/Hel. Keystone. Photo shows: The award approved, Brig Gen Curtis LeMay, Columbus, Ohio, Heavy Bombardment Division Commander, comes to the station to make the presentation. Lt Col is presented with the Soldiers Medal for gallantry in saving the lives of the crewmen of his ship the "Lulu Belle".'

Connections

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Units

The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 3rd Air Division 305th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-17917
  • Highest Rank: General
  • Role/Job: Commanding General
Lieutenant-Colonel Preston Piper of the 385th Bomb Group reports to intelligence officer First Lieutenant John Murray after a mission. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication [illegible] Nov 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘292906.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE HEROIC FLYERS OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE. So many American flyers of the Eighth Air Force here achieved many high distinctions that the presentation of medals and awards ha
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 56th Fighter Group 551st Bomb Squadron 63rd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 3946A; O-401044
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Revisions

Date:
ContributorTom
ChangesChanges to caption and person associations
Sources

Associated Curtis LeMay from the Roger Freeman Collection image caption

Date:
ContributorEmily
ChangesChanges to place associations
Sources

FRE 1426

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection