World War II Honoree

Joseph William Geary

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

Honored By

SFC Steven A. Nimocks

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 7 October 1944, he was navigator-observer of a B-24 type aircraft that was flying lead ship in a Group formation on an extremely vital and important mission to bomb the enemy oil refinery at Vienna/Winterhafen, Austria. This high priority enemy target produced large quantities of aviation fuel and its destruction was of great importance. En route to the target the formation experienced an intense and extremely accurate barrage of heavy type flak. During this barrage, his ship was hit by numerous bursts of flak which made inoperative the #2 engine, severed hydraulic and fuel lines and partially severed the rudder control cables. The co-pilot was seriously wounded at the same time but the pilot, showing great skill, was able to lead the formation over the target, inflicting grave damage on the enemy installations. Then when the ship was forced to leave the formation, he took over the navigating duties. Showing superior professional skill, he then plotted the most direct course to an emergency field, successfully avoiding the numerous flak installations that covered the enemy territory. The aircraft finally reached a friendly field with only sixty gallons of fuel left. He supervised the crew in preparing for a crash landing which was successfully done. For his exceptional skill and coolness in a hazardous situation, he must be given the credit for the safe return of the crew and the wounded co-pilot.