Distinguished Flying Cross

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall

The Distinguished Flying Cross, created by Congress 80 years ago, is America’s oldest military aviation award.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was designed by Elizabeth Will and Arthur E. Dubois both working at the Army’s Institute of Heraldry. The cross symbolizes sacrifice, and the propeller symbolizes flight. The combination of those symbols makes clear that the DFC is an award for heroism or achievement for individuals involved in aviation. The ribbon reflects the national colors.

The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving the recipient’s name and rank.

Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are indicated by oak-leaf clusters for Army and Air Force personnel and by additional award stars for members of the Naval services. …

No one knows how many DFC’s were awarded but The Distinguished Flying Cross Society has over 6,200 recipient members with possibly thousands more eligible to join our prestigious and elite Society.

1918 Cuddihy LB.jpg
George Cuddihy
Class of 1918

LT, USN

Alto, Michigan

November 25, 1929 (33 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Fixed Wing


1918 Page LB.jpg
Arthur Page, Jr.
Class of 1918

CAPT, USMC

New York City, New York

September 1, 1930 (34 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Air Race, Fixed Wing




1927 Southerland LB.jpg
Leonard Southerland
Class of 1927

RADM, USN

Fort Payne, Alabama

November 15, 1958 (53 years old)

Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Carrier Division (CARDIV) 7, Helicopter

He is not currently listed with his classmates in Memorial Hall.















1933 Droom 1.jpg
Lawrence Droom
Class of 1933

LCDR, USNR

Kingsport, Tennessee

March 19, 1949 (39 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Fixed Wing, Non-graduate
























1937 Robertson LB.jpg
Alben Robertson
Class of 1937

LTCOL, USMC

Fulton, Kentucky

December 10, 1946 (31 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Fixed Wing, USNA 12th Company









































































1950 Hudson LB.jpg
James Hudson
Class of 1950

LTJG, USN

Hollywood, California

December 22, 1952 (24 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, KIA, Korea, Attack Squadron (VA) 923, Fixed Wing, USNA 13th Company


1950 Taylor LB.jpg
William Taylor
Class of 1950

1LT, USAF

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

August 10, 1953 (25 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Fixed Wing, USNA 27th Company

He is not currently listed with his classmates in Memorial Hall.

1950 Taylor LB.jpg William Taylor
Class of 1950
1LT, USAF
Distinguished Flying Cross, Operational loss, Fixed Wing, USNA 27th Company

He is not currently listed with his classmates in Memorial Hall.














1952 Yamnicky LB.jpg
John Yamnicky, Sr.
Class of 1952

CAPT, USN

McKeesport, Pennsylvania

September 11, 2001 (71 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, 9/11, Meritorious Service Medal, Retired, Terrorism, USNA 5th Company
★ Though we honor his service and sacrifice on this website, he is not eligible for inclusion in Memorial Hall.

1952 Yamnicky LB.jpg John Yamnicky, Sr.
Class of 1952
CAPT, USN
Distinguished Flying Cross, 9/11, Meritorious Service Medal, Retired, Terrorism, USNA 5th Company
★ Though we honor his service and sacrifice on this website, he is not eligible for inclusion in Memorial Hall.























1959 Hopps 1.jpg
Gary Hopps
Class of 1959

LT, USN

Rochester, New York

February 10, 1966 (29 years old)

Distinguished Flying Cross, KIA, Vietnam, Attack Squadron (VA) 145, MIA, Fixed Wing, Non-graduate






























Pages in category "Distinguished Flying Cross"

The following 179 pages are in this category, out of 179 total.