Joseph Andrews of Dearborn, Mich., entered active military duty as a B-24 Bomber Navigator on July 31, 1944, and served with the 15th Air Force, based in southern Italy.
Distinguished Unit Citations
As a member of the 451st Bombardment Group (H), Andrews participated in many long-range strategic bombing missions to enemy military, industrial and transportation targets in Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Yugoslavia. They attacked such targets as oil refineries, marshaling yards, aircraft factories, bridges and airfields. His unit was extremely effective and was awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations for attacks on an aircraft factory in Regensburg on Feb. 25, 1944, oil refineries and marshaling yards in Ploesti on April 5, 1944, and an air dome at Vienna on Aug. 23, 1944. In each of these three missions, the bombers of the 451st fought their way through large numbers of enemy fighters and severe anti-aircraft fire, and inflicted serious damage on the assigned targets.
Air Medal
The 451st Bombardment Group (H) also flew missions to pave the way for and participation in the invasion of southern France in August 1944. By the end of his service time, Andrews was credited with participating in a total of 27 combat missions over enemy territory. He was commended for efficiency and was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters.
Our Collection
The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display the 1st Lt. Joseph Andrews 15th Army Air Force B-24 navigator grouping. It is an excellent collection including his A-2 jacket, officer's hat, medals and insignia grouping, dog tags, and his military records. It is a fitting tribute to a proud 15th Army Air Force veteran.
