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Contact Info
Home Town Detroit, Michigan
Last Address Southern California
Date of Passing Apr 03, 2013
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
He destroyed 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, 1 probable, and 1 on the ground during WWII.
He was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1983 for actions performed on Oct. 7, 1944.
He was also the only man to shoot down 2 ME-262s.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major (Air Corps) [then First Lieutenant] Urban L. "Ben" Drew (ASN: 0-82117), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane and Leader of Blue Flight, 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force in action near Hamm, Germany, on 7 October 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Drew became the first Allied pilot to shoot down in combat two ME-262 aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Lieutenant Drew reflected the highest credit on himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: 7-Oct-44 Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Major Company: 375th Fighter Squadron Regiment: 361st Fighter Group Division: 8th Air Force
Other Memories He helped organize the 127th Fighter Group, Michigan ANG. He became deputy group commander and later was appointed the first Air Adjutant General of the State of Michigan.
