World War II Honoree

Bill P. Polanovich

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Ft Worth, Texas

Honored By

R. Pickard for Aunt DeeAnn & Uncle Steve

Relationship

USAF Veteran, Daughter and Son

Served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He joined the army air forces active duty December 4th, 1943. Stationed at Muroc Army Air Field in Muroc, California he was assigned to his air crew # 458. He was a First Lieutenant and the Bombardier. They flew the B-24 Liberator. Battles and Campaigns : Asiatic-Pacific Decorations and Citations: The Distinguished Flying Cross The Purple Heart Air Medal 4 Oak, Clusters Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with four stars WWII Victory Medal Liberation Medal with Bronze Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross: For extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight to Balikpapan, Borneo, on 3 October 1944. Lieutenant Polanovich was bombardier in the crew of a B-24 aircraft which took part in the second mass daylight raid against this heavily defended Japanese oil refining center. Carrying the maximum bomb and fuel load, and with their ammunition supply cut in half the flew a record distance of more than 2500 miles over water without fighter escort into an area where strong enemy p was inevitable. As the bombers approached the target, eager and determined enemy fighter pilots pressed unrelenting attacks in an attempt to break up the formation. Flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire, the airplane was severely damaged and a large shell fragments seriously wounded the left waist gunner. Immediately after bombs away, lieutenant Polanovich, with complete disregard for his personal safety, removed his oxygen mask and flak armer suit, helped patch up the hydraulic system, administered morphine to the wounded gunner, and assisted in manning the left waist gun, despite flak wounds, he himself received during the 45 minute running battle from the target. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Polanovich during this flight are worth the highest commendation.