Vincent A. Fonke
8th Air Force
91st Bombardment Group
324th Bombardment Squadron
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was awarded to Col (USAF-ret) Vincent A. Fonke for heroism during WWII. The citation reads:
“Second Lieutenant Vincent A. Fonke distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a B-17, near Eisenbach, Germany on 16 August 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Fonke’s aircraft, part of a 36-ship bomber formation was attacked by enemy German fighters. The attack disabled the number two engine causing it to catch fire which abruptly forced the aircraft to veer left. As Lieutenant Fonke struggled to regain control he noticed that the left wing was engulfed in fire between number three and four engines sending flames toward the rear of the bomber. Realizing the aircraft could explode at any moment with the bomb payload still onboard, Lieutenant Fonke ordered the immediate bailout of his crew while he maintained straight and level flight. Once he was assured that all of his crewmembers had safely exited the aircraft, he made his way to an exit and bailed out moments before the aircraft exploded. His exemplary flying skills and devotion to his crew ensured their survival. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Fonke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
Lt. Fonke was captured after he bailed out and remained a Prisoner of War until war’s end. Fonke was transferred to five different POW camps, until was finally transferred to Stalag Luft III southeast of Berlin until Gen. George S. Patton and the U.S. Third Army liberated it on April 29, 1945…eight months later and 40 pounds lighter. For years, Colonel Fonke has told his story as a POW to search, evasion, rescue and escape students at Camp Mackall, N.C.
Vince Fonke remained in the Air Force for over 29 years. His career included the Korea and Vietnam. His flying experience included the B-36, C-47, C-123 and the C-130. His awards include:
Command Pilot Wings
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/4 OLC
Prisoner of War Medal
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-Africa-Middle Eastern Medal
WWII Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 bronze star
Vietnam Service Medal w/1 bronze campaign star
Air Force Longevity Service Medal w/4 OLC
Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/Hour Glass Device
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Fayetteville, N Carolina (2009)
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