"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a
bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 20 February 1944. The
aircraft on which 2d Lt. Truemper was serving as navigator was attacked
by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the co-pilot was
killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio
operator wounded and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, 2d Lt.
Truemper and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and
fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control
tower and reported the situation. 2d Lt. Truemper and the flight
engineer volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the
crew were ordered to jump, leaving 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer
aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, 2d
Lt. Truemper's commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be
landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and
parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, 2d
Lt. Truemper and the engineer replied that the pilot was still alive but
could not be moved and that they would not desert him. They were then
told to attempt a landing. After two unsuccessful efforts their plane
crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. 2d Lt. Truemper,
the engineer, and the wounded pilot were killed."
From 2d Lt. Truemper's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on June 22, 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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