0-822660


For extraordinary gallantry in action
while participating in aerial flight as Copilot of a B-17
on 16 February 1945 in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.
As Lieutenant Flannick's aircraft was completing its bomb run
on the railyards at Bolzano, Italy it was fatally struck by
enemy anti-aircraft fire. Lt. Flannick, although told by his
pilot to bail out, courageously stayed at the controls of his
aircraft to maintain its track on the bomb run and to give his
crew time to bail out. Lt. Flannick knew, that as the Deputy Group
and Squadron Lead, the other bombers would drop their bombs
on his lead and that if he failed to do so, in all likelihood
the target would be missed, adversely affecting the war effort.
Moreover, he knew that if the aircraft fell out of the control,
his fellow airmen would not be able to safely exit the plane,
so with complete disregard for his own safety, he fought the
controls, until after bomb release and his men exited the plane.
Subsequent events revealed a successful strike on target and the
safe landing of eight of his crew. Lt. Flannick and his flight
engineer perished. Lt. Flannick's gallant, selfless and voluntary
action in the face of great danger, which resulted in the
loss of his own life reflects great credit on him
and the Armed Forces of the United States.


If you'd like the whole story behind how this SILVER STAR came about,
please see Jack Forgy's note "To All," below.



Friday, April 13, 2001