Assigned to 409BS, 93BG, 8AF USAAF. TDY 9AF. 32 x missions. Flew the Ploesti oil field raid at low level in B-24 Liberty Lad 1-Aug-43, his 32nd and final mission. ETD

Distinguished Service Cross Citation:

First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Kenton D. McFarland, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, First Lieutenant McFarland flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant McFarland on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards: DSC, DFC, AM (4OLC), EAME (3BS).