Medals and Awards of the Crew

Purple Heart

Awarded for those killed or wounded when "Hitch Hiker" was shot down. John Culshaw (55 missions flown), Robert Lemmon (62 missions flown) and William
Rawlings (55 missions flown) were killed, and Culshaw and Rawlings are buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy. Co-pilot George Parker was wounded when he hit his heel on a prop after exiting through the overhead hatches of the upside down, spinning plane.

 

 


 

Air Medal

Awarded once to each crew member for every five bombing missions flown. Robert Clark had 59 missions and thus got 11 awards of the Air Medal. This number of awards was shown by two silver oak leaf clusters that could be added to the ribbon.

 

Prisoner of War Medal

For honorable conduct as a POW. Robert Clark, George Parker and tail gunner John Sweren became prisoners of war. Parker was soon released due to his injuries. Robert Clark and John Sweren were taken to Poland, to "Stalag Luft III" just after the famous "Great Escape" from there.

American Campaign Medal

A bronze service star was added to the ribbon to show participation in active air combat in WWII.

  European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Pilot Robert H. Clark was entitled to wear four bronze service stars for air offensive service in Europe, Morocco, Normandy and Northern France in WWII.

  Victory Medal

For military service during WWII.

 

Wings worn by the Crew

Pilot Bombardier Gunner

Navigator

Air Crew
Insignia worn by the Crew

1st Lieutenant Staff Sergeant Tech Sergeant Officer's Cap Insignia Enlisted Cap Insignia

All HTML, graphics and content ©2004 by Robert L. Clark and David Eckert unless otherwise noted.