World War II Honoree

John M. Olson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Garfield, Kansas

Honored By

John M. Olson

Relationship

Self

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 TWO 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.