Harry James Dayhuff

Military
media-36662.jpeg UPL 36662 Lt Col Harry J Dayhuff 82FS, 78FG, 8AF.

USAAF Photo.

Object Number - UPL 36662 - Lt Col Harry J Dayhuff 82FS, 78FG, 8AF.

Assigned to 82FS, 78FG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to HQ Sqn, 78FG, 8AF USAAF. Transferred to VIII fighter Command. Transferred to HQ Sqn, 4FG, 8AF USAAF. Flew 108 x missions.



Awards: SS, DFC (OLC), AM (6OLC), Croix de Guerre, WWII Victory, EAME.



Silver Star Citation;

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Harry J. Dayhuff (ASN: 0-404135), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Fighter Group as escort for Flying Fortresses on a bombing mission over Germany, 27 September 1943. This was one of the longest and most hazardous bomber escort missions yet accomplished in this theater and the success with which it was completed was largely due to the gallant leadership and aggressiveness of Colonel Dayhuff. Though out-numbered by the enemy fighters attacking the formation, his Group zealously sought out and destroyed nine enemy planes, while successfully defending the bombers. Maximum protection was afforded the formation, without the loss of a single fighter aircraft. The gallantry, skill and aggressive leadership displayed by Colonel Dayhuff on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Connections

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Units served with

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Hun Ram-Er / Mackie
  • Unit: 78th Fighter Group 82nd Fighter Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Unit: 78th Fighter Group 82nd Fighter Squadron
A P-51 Mustang nicknamed "Johnetta IV" of the 4th Fighter Group - Debden. Handwritten on slide case:"P-51D 4th FGrp "JOHNETTA IV" DEBDEN 4-45 AFM
  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Johnetta IV
  • Unit: 355th Fighter Group 4th Fighter Group 336th Fighter Squadron 357th Fighter Squadron

Places

Line up of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, at Duxford air base. September 1944. Printed caption on reverse of print: '55432 AC - War Birds Home To Rest - Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up on an 8th Air Force field in England after a daylight sweep over Germany. Crews have finished inspections and refueling.'
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: "Duckpond"

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Ogden, UT 13 September 1918 Son of Huston and Eva Mae [McReynolds] Dayhuff.

Based

Duxford 11 May 1942 - 8 August 1943 Assigned to 82FS, 78FG, 8AF USAAF.

Based

Duxford 8 August 1943 - 14 July 1944 Transferred to HQ Sqn, 78FG, 8AF USAAF.

Based

14 July 1944 - 7 December 1944 Transferred to VIII fighter Command.

Based

Debden 7 December 1944 - 21 February 1945 Became Group Commander of the 4th Fighter Group base at Debden 7-Dec-44, until 21-Feb-45.

Died

Ogden, UT 7 January 2006

Buried

Washington Heights Memorial Park Ogden, Weber County, UT 13 January 2006 Washington Heights Memorial Park Ogden, Weber County, Utah

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Date
Changes
Sources

AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II - https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044…
"The Mighty Eighth", Roger Freeman.

Date
Contributorapollo11
Changes
Sources

Personal research & 'The Debden Eagles' by Garry L. Fry.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Ted Damick, VIII Fighter Command pilots list

Harry James Dayhuff: Gallery (2 items)