World War II Honoree

Edward 'Porky' Cragg

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Greenwich, Connecticut

Honored By

Edward Cragg III

Relationship

Nephew

ENLISTED IN THE SUMMER OF 1940. COMPLETED FLIGHT TRAINING AND RECEIVED HIS WINGS JULY 8, 1941. HIS FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS TO THE 37TH PURSUIT SQUADRON IN THE CANAL ZONE, FLYING P-39 AIRCRAFT. HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO AND BECAME THE COMMANDER OF THE 80TH PURSUIT (LATER FIGHTER) SQUADRON IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. HE NAMED THE SQUADRON 'THE HEADHUNTERS'. SHOT DOWN ON DECEMBER 26, 1943; 15 KILLS. RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, SILVER STAR, DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS WITH 4 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, AIR MEDAL WITH 6 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS.