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"For extreme gallantry in conduct under fire/' "Courage typical of representatives of a free ! press fighting for a frjee world/5
Henry T. Gorrell
of the United Press is awarded the Air Medal
********★★★★★★★*
THE CITATION ACCOMPANYING THE AWARD:
"To Henry T. Gorrell, civilian representative of the United Press, serving with the American Army Air Force in the Middle East.
"While participating in a bombing mission, Mr. Gorrell displayed extreme gallantry in conduct under fire. During his mission, enemy aircraft were encountered and in combat two enemy aircraft were shot down. For several hours Mr. Gorrell rendered vital aid to a seriously wounded member of the crew. Mr. Gorrell's action undoubtedly saved the life of this soldier."
TN a bombing raid, the last plane in the flight runs the greatest risks. By the time it comes over the target, enemy anti-aircraft has had full opportunity to get the range, enemy fighters have had time to rise to the attack.
United Press Staff Correspondent Henry T. Gorrell knew this when he gained permission to fly with U. S. bombers raiding Navarino Bay, on the Greek coast. He had his choice of planes and he chose to go with the last one because, despite greater danger, it offered "the best view of the show."
Gorrell's outstanding coverage of that show involved every danger he had foreseen. The bomber in which he rode was riddled by fighter-plane and anti-aircraft fire. It reached its base with two superchargers shot away, the automatic steering gear knocked out, an aileron ripped away and several members of the crew wounded. To one of the dangerously wounded Gorrell rendered first aid on the flight home. His conduct won for him the Air Medal.
Major-General Lewis H. Brereton, commander of the U. S. Army Air Force in the Middle East, in presenting the award to Gorrell, declared his courage "typical of representatives of a free press fighting for a free world."
UNITED PRESS