Elbert Helton

Major General, U. S. Air Force

Silver Star

Awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Feb 1942 over Bali as reported in newspapers like The Meridian Tribune Fri 19 Feb 1943.
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 3d Air Division, General Orders No. 199 (February 16, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Elbert Helton (AFSN: 0-22325), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as commander of the air division and wing formations on heavy bombardment missions against the enemy. Colonel Helton demonstrated outstanding airmanship while commanding his formations on successful attacks against Milsburg, Germany, 20 June 1944; Ludwigshafen, Germany, 25 September 1944; Coblenz, Germany, 11 November 1944; and Giessen, Germany, 11 December 1944, despite adverse weather conditions on two occasions and anti-aircraft fire on each mission. The brilliant exercise of command displayed by Colonel Helton was largely responsible for the success of these missions. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.