This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
McKeon, Joseph Thomas, Lt Col USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town New York City, NY
Last Address Oceanside, California
Date of Passing Feb 01, 2002
Location of Interment Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California
Wall/Plot Coordinates Section CBH, Row 3, Site 169
He destroyed 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater and then went to Europe and shot down 1 German aircraft before he was himself shot down and held as a POW.
Synopsis of his Silver Star citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph T. McKeon, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot with the 433d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, V Fighter Command, General Orders No. 5 (1943)
WWII - European Theater of Operations/Rhineland Campaign (1944-45)
From Month/Year
September / 1944
To Month/Year
March / 1945
Description Attempting to outflank the Siegfried Line, the Allies tried an airborne attack on Holland on 17 September 1944. But the operation failed, and the enemy was able to strengthen his defensive line from Holland to Switzerland. Little progress was made on the ground, but the aerial attacks on strategic targets continued. Then, having regained the initiative after defeating a German offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944, the Allies drove through to the Rhine, establishing a bridgehead across the river at Remagen.