LAWLEY, WILLIAM R., JR. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 364th
Bomber Squadron, 305th Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Europe, 20 February
1944. Entered service at: Birmingham, Ala. Birth: 23 August 1920, Leeds,
Ala. G.O. No.: 64, 8 August 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty, 20 February 1944,
while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft on a heavy bombardment mission
over enemy-occupied continental Europe. Coming off the target he was attacked
by approximately 20 enemy fighters, shot out of formation, and his plane
severely crippled. Eight crewmembers were wounded, the copilot was killed
by a 20-mm. shell. One engine was on fire, the controls shot away, and
1st Lt. Lawley seriously and painfully wounded about the face. Forcing
the copilot's body off the controls, he brought the plane out of a steep
dive, flying with his left hand only. Blood covered the instruments and
windshield and visibility was impossible. With a full bomb load the plane
was difficult to maneuver and bombs could not be released because the racks
were frozen. After the order to bail out had been given, 1 of the waist
gunners informed the pilot that 2 crewmembers were so severely wounded
that it would be impossible for them to bail out. With the fire in the
engine spreading, the danger of an explosion was imminent. Because of the
helpless condition of his wounded crewmembers 1st Lt. Lawley elected to
remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible,
giving the other crewmembers the option of bailing out. Enemy fighters
again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose
them. One engine again caught on fire and was extinguished by skillful
flying. 1st Lt. Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he
collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the
energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived
by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English
coast 1 engine ran out of gasoline and had to be feathered. Another engine
started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing
was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying
skill, 1st Lt. Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service
to our Nation.
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