This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Alkire, Darr Hayes, Brig Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Fay, Nevada
Last Address Honolulu, Hawaii
Date of Passing Jul 22, 1977
Location of Interment National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (VA) - Honolulu, Hawaii
He was the commander of 3 different bomb groups during WWII. He was the 1st commander of the famous 100th Bomb Gp., "The Bloody Hundredth". While commanding the 449th BG, he was shot down on the coast of Italy and became a POW. He also served with distinction in the Korean War. He retired from the USAF Nov 1, 1956.
His AFDSM citation: Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Brigadier General Darr H. Alkire (AFSN: 298A/ASN: 0-16639), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period 27 June 1950 to 1 June 1952.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 27 (June 20, 1952)
His Silver Star citation: Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Darr H. Alkire (AFSN: 298A/0-16639), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Deputy for Materiel, FAR EAST Air Forces, in Korea, during the period July through November 1950. General Alkire was charged with assuring the constant and uninterrupted flow of materiel and the development of air bases to insure full Air Force effectiveness. By virtue of frequent visits to the most forward airfields, and both ground and aerial surveys of the combat area, General Alkire was able to fulfill his responsibilities and also complete plans for the earliest possible utilization of advanced airfields after their liberation. During these actions he was constantly subject to enemy and ground attack. The judgment, initiative, and devotion to duty shown by General Alkire materially contributed to the success of the United States Air Force and were in keeping with the highest military traditions.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model North American B-25C Mitchell Length 52.92 ft | 16.13 m Width 67.55 ft | 20.59 m Height 15.75 ft | 4.80 m Engine(s) 2 x Wright Cyclone R-2600-19 air-cooled piston engines delivering 1,700hp each. Empty Weight 20,300 lbs | 9,208 kg MTOW 34,000 lbs | 15,422 kg Max Speed 272 mph | 438 km/h | 237 kts Max Range 1,350 miles | 2,173 km Ceiling 24,196 ft | 7,375 m | 4.6 miles Climb Rate 1,666 ft/min (507.796 m/min) Hardpoints Up to 8 (model dependent) Armament Model-specific armament included:
8 x 12.7mm machine gun array OR 1 x 75mm cannon in forward-fixed nose assembly.
2 x 12.7mm machine guns in forward-fixed lower-left side fuselage position (beneath and behind cockpit position). 2 x 12.7mm machine gun in forward-fixed lower-right side fuselage position (beneath and behind cockpit position). 2 x 12.7mm machine guns in ventral turret (powered turrets in some models). 2 x 12.7mm machine guns in dorsal turret (powered turrets in some models). 1 x 12.7mm machine gun in left waist port position. 1 x 12.7mm machine gun in right waist port position. 2 x 12.7mm machine guns in tail gun position (some models removed). 1 x Torpedo in under-fuselage arrangement (model-specific fitting). 8 x 250lb bombs on 8 external hardpoints (model-specific fitting).
Maximum internal bombload of 3,000lbs (1,361 kg). Accommodations 5 Operators the United States of America
