Laureled Sons of Dartmouth

Men Cited for Heroism and Meritorious Achievement

CAPTAIN LINDOL F. GRAHAM '41, fighter ace in the United States Army Air Force, was killed in action on March 18, 1944.. He had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross:

"For extraordinary achievement, while leading a flight of P-38 aircraft furnishing support for bombers on a mission over Germany, 29th January, 1944. Enroute to the target, Captain Graham observed an enemy fighter attacking the rear of the formation and immediately engaged and destroyed it. Later he sighted two enemy aircraft, attacking a crippled bomber. Captain Graham zealously sought combat and after a long chase, engaged the enemy, one at a time, destroying both of them. Having accomplished this, he returned to escort the damaged bombers out of enemy territory. The courage, aggressiveness and superior flying skill displayed by Captain Graham in destroying three enemy aircraft during one mission reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States."

Captain Graham had also been awarded the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters. He had destroyed six enemy planes, and damaged two, thus becoming an ace. His death occurred about 2 p.m. at Ulm, Germany, while strafing enemy aircraft on the ground.

MARINE FIRST LIEUTENANT LEE BARRETT '41 has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for "heroic and meritorious service in combat against the enemy." His citation reads:

"For distinguishing himself by heroic ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. His example of devotion to duty distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character." and meritorious service in combat against the enemy at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Lt. Barrett displayed outstanding courage and leadership under the most hazardous conditions. As leader of a platoon in an assault company engaged in an attack on enemy emplacements, he, after being wounded by enemy fire, continued to perform his duties in a highly efficient, courageous and inspiring manner, until

FOR MERITORIOUS achievement as a pilot in a Marine Corps scout bombing squadron in South Pacific action, the Air Medal was awarded to Captain Robert R. Barvoets '39. Captain Barvoets received his commission in July 1942 and returned to the United States in May, 1944, after eleven months in the South Pacific.

FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT L. DUNN '43, USAAF, was a navigator in the European theater for five months and flew on 42 missions. He has been awarded, for meritorious conduct, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters.

CAPTAIN ROBERT F. MATTESON '38, with a 12th AAF B-26 Marauder bombardment group, has flown more than 55 combat missions in the Mediterranean theater of operations. He has been awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He graduated from flight-leader to squadron-leader and later led his Marauder group against Nazi targets in northern Italy and southern France before he was appointed acting operations officer for his squadron.

Recalling one of the rougher missions over Italy, Captain Matteson said that over Lanuvio enemy anti-aircraft fire was so intense that at one point the formation flying ahead of his flight completely disappeared behind the solid wall of flak the Germans were pumping up at the American bombers that day.

THE AIR MEDAL FOR "meritorious achievement" has been awarded to Navy Air Force Lieutenant William A. Mason '39. Braving anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant Mason destroyed, at close range, a tanker and two barges in the Solomons area on September 16, 1943.

SECOND LIEUTENANT ALEXANDER UNGAR '45, USAAC, completed his fourteenth mission on September 24, 1944, in Italy and has been awarded the Air Medal.

LIEUTENANT KENNETH E. NICHOLSON '45, 1 USAAC, pilot on a B-17 in England, has been awarded the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters.

A LETTER FROM Lt. C. H. Sewall '35, USNR, from somewhere in. the South Pacific, informs me that he had just attended an impressive ceremony when Captain Paul J. Halloran '19, USN, was awarded the Legion of Merit "for work in this area of a most commendable nature."

Captain Halloran's citation reads: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States while serving as Construction Officer on the staff of the Commanding General of a Landing Force during operations against the Japanese on Saipan and Tinian Islands, from 21 June to 31 July, 1944. During the Saipan operation, following assault troops ashore, he reconnoitered beach routes and roads inland, and supervised the repair and maintenance of roads in a mostTcommendable manner, often performing these duties under hostile fire. Prior to the Tinian operation, Captain Halloran (CEC) designed and supervised the construction of an amphibian tractor ramp to facilitate the egress of trucks and tracked vehicles from the beaches. His ingenuity in designing, constructing, and supervising the initial employment of this ramp contributed to a marked degree to the successful movement of large quantities of supplies over the restricted beaches at Tinian. As a result of his skill, and energetic and forceful performance of duty, the airfield program on Tinian was greatly expedited. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

EDGAR S. DRIVER '43, serving as an. ambulance driver in Italy with the American Field Service, has received the following citation: "By the King's order the name of Volunteer Edgar S. Driver, American Field Service, was placed on record on 24 August, 1944, as mentioned in a Despatch for distinguished service. I am charged to express His Majesty's high appreciation." Signed: J. J. Grigg, Secretary of State for War.

FIRST LIEUTENANT HAROLD H. NEALE '41, flying with an AAF unit which has completed 2,000 missions against the enemy, has received the Air Medal. Lt. Neale has made 77 missions himself in divebombing and strafing attacks on German communications, gun positions, vehicles and tanks in close support of allied ground forces in France.

The medal was presented to him by Colonel Stephen S. Mack, USAAF, from a newly-won base on the French Riviera.

FOR OUTSTANDING COURAGE and leadership at Cape Gloucester, Marine First Lt. Lee Barrett '4l received the Bronze Star Medal. Capt. A. H. Dearing 'l4, USN, presented it.