"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty, June 23, 1944 near Ploesti, Romania,
while flying as bombardier of a B17 type aircraft. On the bomb run 2d Lt. Kingsley's aircraft was severely damaged by intense flak
and forced to drop out of formation but the pilot proceeded over the
target and 2d Lt. Kingsley successfully dropped his bombs, causing
severe damage to vital installations. The damaged aircraft, forced to
lose altitude and to lag behind the formation, was aggressively attacked
by 3 Me 109
aircraft, causing more damage to the aircraft and severely wounding the
tail gunner in the upper arm. The radio operator and engineer notified
2d Lt. Kingsley that the tail gunner had been wounded and that
assistance was needed to check the bleeding. 2d Lt. Kingsley made his
way back to the radio room, skillfully applied first aid to the wound,
and succeeded in checking the bleeding. The tail gunner's parachute
harness and heavy clothes were removed and he was covered with blankets,
making him as comfortable as possible. Eight Me 109 aircraft again
aggressively attacked 2d Lt. Kingsley's aircraft and the ball turret gunner was wounded by 20mm
shell fragments. He went forward to the radio room to have 2d Lt.
Kingsley administer first aid. A few minutes later when the pilot gave
the order to prepare to bail out, 2d Lt. Kingsley immediately began to
assist the wounded gunners in putting on their parachute harness. In the
confusion the tail gunner's harness, believed to have been damaged,
could not be located in the bundle of blankets and flying clothes which
had been removed from the wounded men. With utter disregard for his own
means of escape, 2d Lt. Kingsley unhesitatingly removed his parachute
harness and adjusted it to the wounded tail gunner. Due to the extensive
damage caused by the accurate and concentrated 20mm fire by the enemy
aircraft the pilot gave the order to bail out, as it appeared that the
aircraft would disintegrate at any moment. 2d Lt. Kingsley aided the
wounded men in bailing out and when last seen by the crew members he was
standing on the bomb bay catwalk. The aircraft continued to fly on
automatic pilot for a short distance, then crashed and burned. His body
was later found in the wreckage. 2d Lt. Kingsley by his gallant heroic
action was directly responsible for saving the life of the wounded
gunner."
From 2d Lt. Kingsley's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on April 9, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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