Bankey, Ernest Edward, Jr., Col

This Military Service Page was created/owned by SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr. to remember Bankey, Ernest Edward, Jr., Col USAF(Ret).

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Home Town Wilberforce, Ohio	Last Address Newbury Park, California
Date of Passing Jun 15, 2009
Location of Interment Conejo Mountain Memorial Park - Camarillo, California	Wall/Plot Coordinates Not Specified

Synopsis of his DSC citation:

Awarded for actions during World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Ernest E. Bankey, Jr. (ASN: 0-752095), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane assigned to Headquarters, 364th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 27 December 1944, in support of beleaguered Allied ground forces during the Battle of the Bulge. On this date Captain Bankey became an ACE in a single day, shooting down FIVE enemy aircraft and assisting in the destruction of another. Captain Bankey's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 4 (1945)

Action Date: 27-Dec-44

Service: Army Air Forces

Rank: Captain

Company: Headquarters

Regiment: 364th Fighter Group

Division: 8th Air Force