William Wrenn, a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II, has posthumously received the Distinguished Flying Cross for a reconnaissance mission over the Philippines that he and his crew carried out prior to the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. Despite enemy anti-aircraft fire, Wrenn, then a first lieutenant and the co-pilot, and his colleagues provided valuable intelligence on the location of Japanese warships. The mission was classified all these years; that’s why it took so long for Wrenn to receive his rightful recognition. In a cruel twist of fate, Wrenn died Feb. 7 in Columbus, Neb., as Air Force officials were on their way from Offutt AFB, Neb., to present him with the DFC, reported the Columbus Telegram. His wife Evelyn took possession of it on her husband’s behalf. (Includes Offutt report by SSgt. James M. Hodgman and SSgt. Richard Williams)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.