U.S.A.A.F. Officers in Bomber Command

[Alex Smart]

So Russell never got an American DFC ?

[alieneyes]

Hi Alex,

His British DFC was approved 1 September 1943; he was killed (B17F #42-5793) over Brome, Suffolk on 10 November 1943.

As he transferred to the USAAF on 10 June 1943, was there any time? And, if so, why nothing in the literature? The ABMC makes mention of his Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, but nothing on his DFC.

Regards,

Dave

[JDCAVE]

Just read this thread on the TOCH forum, and have responded with a question which I now ask here.
As the DFC awarded to Russell was an RAF award, when he later transferred to the USAAF would he have automatically have been entitled to the American DFC ?

I think the short answer is no. I talked to Lieutenant Joe Hartshorn DFC, USAAF with 419 Squadron in 2008. He received an immediate DFC during an operation over Sterkrade, July 1944, I believe, awarded by the King during a visit by the Royal Family to Middleton St George, August 1944.

He was claimed by the USAAF but finished his tour with 419 before transfer to American units. He was quite bitter about his time with the USAAF, and the lack of recognition by his country for his service with the RCAF. He sadly died soon after I talked to him and I could not explore this further with him.

Jim