"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty. On 1 August 1943, he served as pilot of the lead aircraft in his
group in a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and
installations at Ploesti, Romania. Although he had completed more than
his share of missions and was no longer connected with this group, so
high was his conception of duty that he volunteered to lead the
formation in the correct belief that his participation would contribute
materially to success in this attack. Maj. Jerstad led the formation
into attack with full realization of the extreme hazards involved and
despite withering fire from heavy and light antiaircraft guns. Three
miles from the target his airplane was hit, badly damaged, and set on
fire. Ignoring the fact that he was flying over a field suitable for a
forced landing, he kept on the course. After the bombs of his aircraft
were released on the target, the fire in his ship became so intense as
to make further progress impossible and he crashed into the target area. By his voluntary acceptance of a mission he knew was extremely
hazardous, and his assumption of an intrepid course of action at the
risk of life over and above the call of duty, Maj. Jerstad set an
example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces."
From Maj. Jerstad's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 28, 1943.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Painting of Jerstad's action.
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