Military Decorations John L. Jerstad
jerstad s official medal of honor citation reads follows:
for conspicuous gallantry , intrepidity above , beyond call of duty. on 1 august 1943, served pilot of lead aircraft in group in daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries , installations @ ploesti, rumania. although had completed more share of missions , no longer connected group, high conception of duty volunteered lead formation in correct belief participation contribute materially success in attack. maj. jerstad led formation attack full realization of extreme hazards involved , despite withering fire heavy , light antiaircraft guns. 3 miles target airplane hit, badly damaged, , set on fire. ignoring fact flying on field suitable forced landing, kept on course. after bombs of aircraft released on target, fire in ship became intense make further progress impossible , crashed target area. voluntary acceptance of mission knew extremely hazardous, , assumption of intrepid course of action @ risk of life on , above call of duty, maj. jerstad set example of heroism inspiration u.s. armed forces.
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