HEADQUARTERS

9th BOMBARDMENT DIVISION  (M)                    C/GM/4

GENERAL ORDERS                                                                        APO 140, U.S. Army

NUMBER 11                                                                                      18   January  1945

SECTION I  :  AWARD OF THE SOLDIER’S MEDAL

For heroism, 26 December 1944, to the below named officer and enlisted man. When the B-26 airplane in which they were flying crashed in flames shortly after take off, these two crew members, after escaping from the burning wreckage returned to rescue the injured armorer gunner.  Despite the hazards of exploding ammunition, and the imminent danger of  the gasoline tanks and bombs exploding, they dragged the wounded gunner to safety.  Several minutes later the bombs exploded and the aircraft was demolished.  The valorous actions of these two crew members during this critical emergency are worthy of highest praise.

Earl H. Madsen    2nd Lt.          AC               Wheeler, Wisc.
Claude A. Koch   Cpl.             AC                 Allentown, Pa.

386th BOMBARDMENT GROUP  (M)
555th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON  (M)