William R. Lawley MOH

OK, finally got the link to the internet for my IPad, iPhone, Mac book and Mrs J’s iPhone. Up til now, it’s make sure all devices are off, then add the one you want. PITA. Went down and talked to a young lady working the customer desk and asked where the computer experts are located. She asked what the problem was. I described it and she asked for the iPad. Fifteen minutes later, I’m writing this addition to this post. Thank you Ma’am!

So…on with the show and this tale has a happier ending.

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OK, another example of unbelievable bravery, exceptional flying skills and Boeing's skills at building very well built, strong and reliable aircraft.

 In doing some research on Lt Lawley, I came across this website.  The author does a phenomenal job of bringing Lt Lawley's fight to life. Go read it! 

 

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 At 23 years old, he was the pilot in command of a B-17 during "Big Week".  Big Week was a week long daily attack on German Aircraft plants and airports.  As could be expected, the Germans put up a lot of resistance.  Unfortunately for Lt Lawley,  lots of things had gone wrong on the mission. The co-pilot was dead.  One engine was out, another one on fire.  Lot's of German fighters in the area.  Yet he brings the aircraft back to safe territory and gets it on the ground successfully.

And he lived and what was left of his crew lived.  That takes skill, courage and quite a bit of luck.  He flew out the remainder of his 25 mission requirement and managed to land on a allied fighter base.  He passed away in 1995.  Rest in peace, Hero!

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Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty, 20 February 1944, while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe. Coming off the target he was attacked by approximately 20 enemy fighters, shot out of formation, and his plane severely crippled. Eight crewmembers were wounded; the copilot was killed by a 20-mm shell. One engine was on fire, the controls shot away, and 1st Lt. Lawley seriously and painfully wounded about the face. Forcing the copilot's body off the controls, he brought the plane out of a steep dive, flying with his left hand only. Blood covered the instruments and windshield and visibility was impossible. With a full bomb load the plane was difficult to maneuver and the bombs could not be released because the racks were frozen. After the order to bail out had been given, one of the waist gunners informed the pilot that two crewmembers were so severely wounded that it would be impossible for them to bail out. With the fire in the engine spreading, the danger of an explosion was imminent. Because of the helpless condition of his wounded crewmembers 1st Lt. Lawley elected to remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible, giving the other crewmembers the option of bailing out. Enemy fighters again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose them. One engine again caught on fire and was extinguished by skillful flying. First Lt. Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English coast one engine ran out of gasoline and had to be feathered. Another engine started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill 1st Lt. Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service to our nation.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_R._Lawley_Jr. 

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/william-r-lawley 

https://www.badassoftheweek.com/william-r-lawley