|
WWII - P-51 Mustang Ace *Medal of Honor* Pilot of a P51, in the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Reconnaissance Gp.; 308 Bombardment Wing William A. Shomo, USAAF (DECEASED) World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a Colonel in the United States Army Air Corps/US Air Force and P-51 "Mustang" Ace. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Major, Pilot of a P51, in the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Reconnaissance Gp.; 308 Bombardment Wing, 5th Air Force, for action on January 11, 1945 over Luzon, Philippine Islands. (One of the few fighter pilots to become an "Ace-in-a-day"). Here is a copy of his Medal of Honor citation:Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. Shomo was lead pilot of a flight of 2 fighter planes charged with an armed photographic and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airdromes. While en route to the objective, he observed an enemy twin engine bomber, protected by 12 fighters, flying about 2,500 feet above him and in the opposite direction Although the odds were 13 to 2, Maj. Shomo immediately ordered an attack. Accompanied by his wingman he closed on the enemy formation in a climbing turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy formed for Counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane; then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman had shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters had fled into a cloudbank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft in one action is unparalleled in the southwest Pacific area. DESCRIPTION: Autographed Purple Heart envelope 3-3/4" x 6-1/2" inches. Postmarked Washington DC Aug 6, 1982. Minor corner dolds, otherwise in nice condition. Very pretty item with Name & MOH labels attached. Signed in blue ink (handsigned autograph, NOT a facsimile or print) by "Ace-in-a-Day' Mustang Pilot and MOH winner, "William A. Shomo, U.S.A.F. (Ret)" . TERMS OF SALE -- Read carefully before bidding: Notice to all bidders/buyers: Do not bid on the item unless you intend to purchase it. Payment is due within 7 days. Negative feedback will be left for non-paying bidders. U.S. Bidders only. We must hear from the Buyer within 3 days to let us know which method of payment will be used. Shipping is only $6.50 to all 50 states.We ship by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping cost INCLUDES Insurance and tracking/Delivery Confirmation. (will combine shipping for $1.50 per additional item won). Bids from buyers with inappropriate Feedback will be canceled. Item is sold As-Is. No refunds/returns. The item you see is what you get. Payment can be made through PayPal, check or money order. Checks may require time to clear. PayPal payments require a confirmed address.
Place a Bid!
|