Kenneth M. Caldwell
Major, U.S. Army Air Forces

On 1 August 1943, then-Captain Kenneth M. Caldwell was serving with the 565th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Ninth Air Force (Attached).

On that day, CPT Caldwell was the Pilot of a B-24 bomber participating in a bombing mission against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, CPT Caldwell flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage, extraordinary heroism and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Caldwell on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Colonel Jack Wood, Commander of the 389th Bombardment Group, flew in Captain Caldwell's bomber and was also awarded the DSC.

On 7 January 1944, while on a bombing mission, MAJ Caldwell's was shot down by German Fighters nea Bolbec, France. Originally listed as Missing in Action, he was later declared Killed in Action on that date.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army Air Force Pilot Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Captain (Air Corps) Kenneth M. Caldwell, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 565th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Caldwell flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Caldwell on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

General Orders: Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 89 (1943)

Burial

Major Kenneth Marion Caldwell is buried at East Hill Cemetery in Erie, Neosho County, KS.