World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
18 Jan 2013 12:31:19 AM

Major James Howard had one of the more interesting victory totals. Before the war, he flew Navy dive-bombers from carriers Lexington, Wasp, and Enterprise. He resigned his Naval commission to join the American Volunteer Group in China, the “Flying Tigers.” He destroyed 6 Japanese aircraft with the AVG. He accepted a commission as a major in the USAAF after the AVG disbanded in 1942. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 11, 1944. This photo was likely staged to commemorate that award and to show off his unique “scoreboard.” His Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. On that day Col. Howard was the leader of a group of P-51 aircraft providing support for a heavy bomber formation on a long-range mission deep in enemy territory. As Col. Howard's group met the bombers in the target area the bomber force was attacked by numerous enemy fighters. Col. Howard, with his group, at once engaged the enemy and himself destroyed a German ME. 110. As a result of this attack Col. Howard lost contact with his group, and at once returned to the level of the bomber formation. He then saw that the bombers were being heavily attacked by enemy airplanes and that no other friendly fighters were at hand. While Col. Howard could have waited to attempt to assemble his group before engaging the enemy, he chose instead to attack single-handed a formation of more than 30 German airplanes. With utter disregard for his own safety he immediately pressed home determined attacks for some 30 minutes, during which time he destroyed 3 enemy airplanes and probably destroyed and damaged others. Toward the end of this engagement 3 of his guns went out of action and his fuel supply was becoming dangerously low. Despite these handicaps and the almost insuperable odds against him, Col. Howard continued his aggressive action in an attempt to protect the bombers from the numerous fighters. His skill, courage, and intrepidity on this occasion set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces

2. Zoran Petek says:
29 Jan 2015 11:33:33 PM

Short b/w clip
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiar8-JROkI