WWII Veteran hero honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor – posthumously

GREENVILLE, Ala. – Almost sixty-six years after leading a dangerous, but successful, B-26 bombing mission over Sicily in 1943, the U.S. Air Force posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor to World War II Veteran Capt. William S. Norred of Pine Apple, Ala.

Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck, Commander of Air University in Montgomery, presented the award to Capt. Norred’s wife, Doris Norred, at a ceremony April 13, 2009, in Greenville.

Capt. Norred was awarded the DFC with Valor for heroism while participating in aerial flight during WWII. On June 15, 1943, while serving as both a flight leader and formation commander of a B-26 squadron, he was leading a mission over Rizzo Airdrome in Sicily when his plane was damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire. Masterfully keeping his B-26 under control, Capt. Norred led his formation through evasive action and completed a devastating bombardment of his target. Shortly thereafter, 12 enemy fighters attacked the unescorted bombers, but Capt. Norred skillfully outmaneuvered them and five of the hostile aircraft were destroyed.

Peck said the DFC with Valor was not given out lightly. He cited the criteria for the award for heroism must involve voluntary action in the face of danger and be well above the actions performed by others engaged in similar flight operations.

“Capt. Norred exemplified the Air Force’s core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do,” said Peck. Peck added that the award represented "justice delayed, but justice done in the end".

Attending the ceremony was Navy Rear Admiral (Ret.) Clyde Marsh, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. “Capt. Norred was an American Airman with a mission to fly, fight and win. He was faithful to his proud heritage, upheld the tradition of honor, and left a legacy of valor,” said Marsh.

Before Capt. Norred’s death at the age of 91 last year, the Butler County Veterans Service Office in Greenville contacted the Air Force with a request to review his service records to determine his eligibility for the DFC. On Dec. 10, 2008, the Air Force honored Capt. Norred for his heroism in WWII by approving the award.

Doris Norred summed up her and her family’s appreciation for her husband’s award with two words – "thank you".


Photo: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh extends his gratitude to Doris Norred for her husband’s service and heroism during WWII.