Colonel Frank P. Hunter, 398th Bomb Group Commander presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Willis E. Frazier.

Presenters (viewer's left to right):

  1. Captain Willis E. Frazier, 12-5-1944
  2. Major Jean B. Miller, retrieving medals from the cardboard box
  3. Major Tracy J. Peterson, holding 2 black DFC boxes to pass to Colonel Hunter
  4. Colonel Frank P. Hunter (shaking hands)

Recipients (viewer's left to right):

  1. Captain Willis E. Frazier, 12-5-1944
  2. Unknown
  3. Unknown
  4. Unknown
  5. Unknown

Major Jean B. Miller and Major Tracy J. Petersonwere awarded the DFC on 12/9/1944. Given there were no other 398th DFCs awarded between them and Captain Willis Frazier, then it is possible the unknown men above would be from those just before the 12/5/44 Willis Frazier award date. These are:

  1. S/Sgt. Ralph W. Hall, 601st, 11/22/1944
  2. Cpt. Vance F. Mitchell, 602nd, 11/22/1944
  3. Cpt. Ernest D., Jr. Scott, 602nd, 11/22/1944
  4. 1st. Lt. James L. Haas, 603rd, 12/1/1944
  5. 2nd Lt. Raymond J. LeDoux, 601st, 12/1/1944

Comments:

  1. Photo scan provided by Jeff Eberle (Vicha) in July 2008.
  2. The exact date of the photo is unknown, but it would likely be in early December 1944.
  3. If you can provide provide additional information on the identity of the men in this photo, please contact Jeff Vicha, our 398th Awards Coordinator.