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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Elaine K. Beckett

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on IWO JIMA, VOLCANO ISLANDS, from 28 February to 11 March, 1945, as a tactical air and gunnery observer with a Marine artillery regiment. During this period First Lieutenant BECKETT flew twenty missions ever enemy territory, often flying in an unarmed, unarmored observation plane at altitudes of from ore hundred to five hundred feet through antiaircraft and email arms fire, accurately spotting naval and artillery gunfire on enemy installations. On 5 March, flying at altitudes of from four hundred to seven hundred feet, he located an enemy pill box. Adjusting artillery fire on the target, he drove the enemy from its shelter, killing or wounding then with an accurate barrage as they came into the open. His alertness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."