Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 4 Line: 54

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Captain John E. Purdy was assigned to the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group in the Philippine Islands from late 1944 thru mid-1945. During this time he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and two oak leaf clusters for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

The first DFC was awarded for action on December 5, 1944. Then First Lieutenant ( LT) Purdy led a flight of four P-38 aircraft on patrol in an area near the west coast of Leyte Island. LT Purdy and his flight spotted a formation of enemy Val type aircraft flying about 500 feet above the water. The flight executed a turn to lose altitude, and LT Purdy led his flight against one of the bombers as the other had disappeared. LT Purdy shot down the lone Val. Spotting another Val the flight gave chase, and LT Purdy shot the plane down. A third Val was pursued, but the planes were attacked by six to ten Japanese Oscar fighters. LT Purdy turned and headed for his attackers who broke off their attack without an exchange of fire. Lt Purdy succeeded in protecting his flight from an enemy force superior in numbers and with the advantage altitude, and in returning them safely to base.

Captain Purdy was awarded a second oak leaf cluster for the DFC as a result of action in the Mindoro area of the Philippines on December 17, 1944. He was leading a formation of 13 P-38’s assigned to patrol the beachhead at Mindoro Island. Initially uneventful, another flight called in enemy aircraft in the area. While two of the other flights set out in pursuit, Captain Purdy’s flight remained over the beachhead. Two Zeke 52 type enemy aircraft were sighted. The enemy planes, apparently believing they had been observed, started to turn into Captain Purdy’s flight. The enemy held the altitude advantage, and Captain Purdy initially turned away to create the belief that the flight had not detected the Japanese aircraft. Captain Purdy gave chase and gained altitude until he overtook the enemy planes. Selecting one plane, Captain Purdy opened fire, causing the plane to explode in flames. Turning on a second Zeke, he set the plane afire and its pilot bailed out. Captain Purdy’s two victories were the result of prompt thinking and an aggressive attack. Flight discipline was perfectly maintained, a tribute to his excellent leadership.