Signature: Heller, Edwin

Ed Heller joined the Service in 1942 and during World War II flew both the P-51 and P-47 in the European Theater with the 352nd Fighter Group, becoming an Ace with 5 1/2 victories. Flying F-86s with the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea he scored a further 3 1/2 victories before being shot down, resulting in two and a half years as a prisoner of war of the Chinese. Ed Heller died on 17th May 2004.

Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edwin Lewis Heller (ASN: 0-797827/FR-9900), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in accomplishing fifty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which this Officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him in aerial combat, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions, serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Citation for the Distinguished Service Cross:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edwin Lewis Heller (ASN: 0-797827/FR-9900), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 386th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 April 1944, during an air mission over Germany. On that date, Lieutenant Heller with his flight leader attacked a strongly defended enemy airdrome and Lieutenant Heller destroyed three enemy aircraft. In the attack the flight leader was lost. Lieutenant Heller then set course for home alone. Spotting another airdrome with many planes parked in the dispersal area, and with complete disregard for the intense anti-aircraft fire and the hazards of low level attack, Lieutenant Heller coolly selected a target, attacked and destroyed two airplanes. He again set course for home and soon found another air field loaded with airplanes. Although his fuel and ammunition supply was low and he was deep in enemy territory, he fearlessly flew into an intense barrage of ground fire and with his remaining ammunition sprayed buildings, aircraft, and enemy personnel. In this attack he destroyed two airplanes and damaged others. During all these attacks, Lieutenant Heller destroyed seven enemy airplanes, damaged five others, and inflicted damage on buildings and other installations. The courage, skill, and determination to destroy the enemy displayed by Lieutenant Heller reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Citation for the Silver Star:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Edwin Lewis Heller (ASN: 0-797827/FR-9900), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 386th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Flight of P-51 Fighters on an escort and strafing mission over Germany, on 16 April 1945. Locating an enemy airdrome on which approximately seventy-five aircraft were parked, Captain Heller led his Flight across the field in the face of terrific ground fire to expose the gun positions. Despite the fact his plane was damaged on the initial pass, he neutralized two gun installations and then made sweep after sweep over the field. When the attack broke off, Captain Heller had personally destroyed seven and damaged one enemy aircraft on the ground. Captain Heller's bold and daring attack and determination to destroy the enemy at any cost inspired his fellow flyers to new heights of achievement.