"He piloted a B-24 bomber in a one-plane strike against a Japanese convoy
in the South China Sea on the night of 26 October 1944. Taking the
enemy force of 12 ships escorted by at least 2 destroyers by surprise,
he made 1 bombing run at 600 feet, scoring a near miss on 1 warship and
escaping without drawing fire. He circled, and fully realizing that the
convoy was thoroughly alerted and would meet his next attack with a
barrage of antiaircraft fire, began a second low-level run which
culminated in 2 direct hits on a large tanker. A hail of steel from
Japanese guns, riddled the bomber, knocking out 2 engines, damaging a
third, crippling the hydraulic system, puncturing 1 gasoline tank,
ripping uncounted holes in the aircraft and wounding the copilot; but
by magnificent display of flying skill, Major Carswell controlled the
plane's plunge toward the sea and carefully forced it into a halting
climb in the direction of the China shore. On reaching land, where it
would have been possible to abandon the staggering bomber, one of the
crew discovered that his parachute had been ripped by flak and rendered
useless; the pilot, hoping to cross mountainous terrain and reach a
base, continued onward until the third engine failed. He ordered the
crew to bail out while he struggled to maintain altitude and refusing
to save himself, chose to remain with his comrade and attempt a crash
landing. He died when the airplane struck a mountainside and burned.
With consummate gallantry and intrepidity, Major Carswell gave his life
in a supreme effort to save all members of his crew. His sacrifice, far
beyond that required of him, was in keeping with the traditional bravery
of America's war heroes."
From Maj. Carswell's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 4, 1946.
Thank you for your service and may ou be at peace,
Brian
From Maj. Carswell's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 4, 1946.
Thank you for your service and may ou be at peace,
Brian
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