John Richardson Wilcox

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Army Air Forces

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, General Orders No. 17 (September 23, 1942)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John R. Wilcox (ASN: 0-436025), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action with the enemy while serving with the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. On 15 June 1942 he, while acting as Co-pilot, took part in an attack upon Italian Fleet operating in the Mediterranean Sea, made by a formation of U. S. Army Air Force heavy bombers. This attack was so successful that the fleet was forced to withdraw permitting safe passage to a British convoy bound for Malta. On the return flight to base, he manned his machine with such precision and in such perfect coordination with the remainder of the formation that intercepting enemy fights were driven off with two casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.