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Photographer: Michael Herrick
Taken: May 10, 2011
Caption: Major Cheli
Additional Description: Major Cheli
U.S. Army Air Corps
Medal of Honor, World War II Rank and Organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps.
Place and Date: Near Wewak, New Guinea, 18 August 1943, Entered service at Brooklyn, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. While Maj. Cheli was leading his squadron in a dive to attack the heavily defended Dagua Airdrome, intercepting enemy aircraft centered their fire on his plane, causing it to burst into flames while still 2 miles from the objective. His speed would have enabled him to gain necessary altitude to parachute to safety, but this action would have resulted in his formation becoming disorganized and exposed to the enemy. Although a crash was inevitable, he courageously elected to continue leading the attack in his blazing plane. From a minimum altitude, the squadron made a devastating bombing and strafing attack on the target. The mission completed, Maj. Cheli instructed his wingman to lead the formation and crashed into the sea.
Submitted: May 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
Database Locator Identification Number: p153630
File Size: 0.479 Megabytes

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