HALPRO KIA SS/PH Group

[decwriter]

Thanks for the comments and I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the only known crew photo of the Brown crew. This photo was provided by Cannon’s son in 2016 and is on the 376th BG website. Standing L to R, Lt Anderson is in the middle of the photo.

 

History would be lost without the HALPRO sons providing the photos and documents of their father’s feats during the war.

[decwriter]

BTT in honor of the Silver Star mission 76 years ago today for the 49 HALPRO crewmembers!

[BigJohn#3RD]

RIP

[Brian Keith]

Amazing research! Thanks for posting it all.

BKW

[scottplen]

Very rare group !!! RIP !

[KASTAUFFER]

Here is a newspaper article for Cpl Donald Perry concerning the Silver Star award. In the article it also lists the June 15, 1942 action as well.

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

Charles Brown - 1st Lieutenant

Rank: 1st Lieutenant

Date Of Death: Jul 14, 1942

War / Conflict: World War II

Hometown: Scott Bluff, Nebraska

Gold Star Hall - Wall Location: West Wall (by Entrance Door)

Service Ribbons Awarded:

• Silver Star
• Purple Heart
• WWII Victory Medal
• American Defense Medal

Biography

Year at ISU: 1941

Citation: "Cairo, Egypt August 19, 1942 CHARLES O. BROWN, JR. 1st Lieut., AAF is herewith cited for gallantry in action with the enemy. On June 15, 1942 he, while acting in the capacity of airplane commander of a four engine heavy bomber so skillfully handled his aircraft that the combat formation of which he was a part was able to inflict such heavy damage upon an Italian Fleet, operating in the Mediterranean that it withdrew, allowing an important British convoy to safely reach Malta. While returning to base he so capably maintained his position in formation and directed the activities of his combat crew that the formation was able to disperse intercepting enemy fighters after inflicting two casualties upon them. /s/ Lewis Brereton Major General, USA Commanding"

Charles Osborne Brown, Jr. was born to Charles Osborne and Lettie L. Chase on November 2, 1918. He grew up in Scott Bluff, Nebraska. While at Iowa State College he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, Tau Sigma Chapter.

Charles entered service on April 26, 1941 at Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated at Brooks Field, Texas, as Second Lieutenant on December 12, 1941, and made Second Lieutenant on May 20, 1942 just before leaving with the Halverson Detachment, United State Middle East Air Force.

Charles died on July 14, 1942 over Bengasi, Libya. His awards and citations include: The American Defense Service Medal, The European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars for the Egypt-Libya and Air Offensive Europe Campaigns, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Aviation Badge. He post-humously received the Silver Star medal and the Purple Heart.

[KASTAUFFER]

Donald Perry

Service: Army Air Forces

Division: Middle East Air Force

 

GENERAL ORDERS:

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, General Orders No. 17 (September 23, 1942)

 

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 Corporal Donald Perry, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action with the enemy while serving with the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. gallantry in action with the enemy while serving with the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. On 15 June 1942 he, while acting as Aerial Gunner, took part in an attack upon Italian Fleet operating in the Mediterranean Sea, made by a formation of U. S. Army Air Force heavy bombers. This attack was so successful that the fleet was forced to withdraw permitting safe passage to a British convoy bound for Malta. On the return flight to base, he manned his machine with such precision and in such perfect coordination with the remainder of the formation that intercepting enemy fights were driven off with two casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.