World War II Honoree

John M. Olson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Garfield, Kansas

Honored By

Janet, Norma, Ruth & Eric

Relationship

Children

ENTERED ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1942 AND SERVED WITH THE 13TH AIR FORCE. TAIL GUNNER ON A B-24 LIBERATOR IN THE PACIFIC THEATER. RANK OF STAFF SERGEANT. BOMBING MISSIONS INCLUDED NEW GUINEA, EASTERN MANDATES, WESTERN PACIFIC, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES, LUZON AND THE CHINA SEA; THESE INCLUDED PELELIU, BORNEO AND CORREGIDOR. AVERAGE MISSION WAS 8 TO 10 HOURS WITH 2 SUSTAINED FLIGHTS UP TO 17 HOURS. AWARDED AIR MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH STAR AND PRESIDENTIAL CITATION. FLEW 37 MISSIONS. CREDITED WITH SHOOTING DOWN A JAPANESE ZEKE FIGHTER DURING A BOMBING MISSION OVER ALICANTE AIRDROME, NEGROS ISLAND, PHILIPPINES ON NOVEMBER 7, 1944. SENT BACK TO THE U.S. AFTER CONTRACTING MALARIA AND DYSENTERY. DISCHARGED ON JULY 24, 1945.