Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded to 1st LT. Alfred H. Locke on August 14, 1944
For extraordinary achievement, while serving as Pilot of a lead aircraft for a B-24 Combat Wing on a bombing mission to Germany, 29 April 1944. Lieutenant Locke’s aircraft received a direct flak hit in the No. 3 engine just prior to bombs away, but he continued on to drop his bombs with excellent results. After leaving the target, engine No. 3 was feathered and the interphone and electrical systems failed. Lieutenant Locke skillfully led his formation to the Dutch border where he relinquished the lead to conserve fuel. Aggressive enemy fighters attacked immediately, but Lieutenant Locke successfully evaded further damage. Insufficient fuel necessitated ditching preparations, and sighting a friendly boat, Lieutenant Locke succeeded in ditching his aircraft permitting the escape of six other crew members. The superior flying skill and sound judgment displayed by Lieutenant Locke reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
For extraordinary achievement, while serving as Pilot of a lead aircraft for a B-24 Combat Wing on a bombing mission to Germany, 29 April 1944. Lieutenant Locke’s aircraft received a direct flak hit in the No. 3 engine just prior to bombs away, but he continued on to drop his bombs with excellent results. After leaving the target, engine No. 3 was feathered and the interphone and electrical systems failed. Lieutenant Locke skillfully led his formation to the Dutch border where he relinquished the lead to conserve fuel. Aggressive enemy fighters attacked immediately, but Lieutenant Locke successfully evaded further damage. Insufficient fuel necessitated ditching preparations, and sighting a friendly boat, Lieutenant Locke succeeded in ditching his aircraft permitting the escape of six other crew members. The superior flying skill and sound judgment displayed by Lieutenant Locke reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
