World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross 5/9/2007 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNEWS) -- A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. .... As the enemies began to attack the B-24 bombers, some of the crew from other aircraft began to bail and parachute to the ground. Mr. Cader noticed this, and to protect his fellow crewmembers, took his plane out of formation and descended with a damaged aircraft to give covering fire for the bailing crew. Despite damage to his engine and having lost critical fuel, he brought his plane and crew safely back to base and later volunteered for a subsequent bombing mission on Borneo. "Mr. Cader distinguished himself with courage and flight skill," said Master Sgt. Nancy Crowell, the 6th Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant. "Today, more than 60 years after these events, we have the tremendous opportunity to finally, and properly, honor his service." http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123052595
In teaching and coaching they say feedback has to be immediate to be effective, negative or positive. One would wish, especially considering all the higher-up incompetents who received rewards they didn't deserve left and right, that the 'grunts' would get their dues alot sooner, especially before they pass on or memories fade. Nice story. I believe they said the Canadians of the Devil's Brigade only got their American dues their American brother's got by war's end just last year? Many not around anymore to receive. It was nice that it was on the news too.
