Glenn E. Duncan

Glenn Emile Duncan (May 12, 1918 – July 4, 1998) was a career officer in the

Duncan was born on May 19, 1918, in Bering, Texas.

Military career

He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the

World War II

Duncan served as an instructor pilot for a year and then served in

In mid-1943, the 353rd FG was initially stationed at

Duncan became a flying ace, when he destroyed a Fw 190 over Rastede on December 20, his fifth aerial victory. During a bomber escort near Ans, Belgium on 20 January 1944, his flight encountered four twin-engined Messerschmitt Bf 110s. In the dogfight, he destroyed two Bf 110s. In April 1944, the 353rd FG moved to their new base in RAF Raydon.

By June 7, 1944, he had accumulated 15½ kills. On the 12th June, he shot down three Bf-109s. He claimed his 19th and last aerial victory on July 5, when he shot down a Bf 109 over Pont-Audemer.^[3]

On July 7, 1944, while leading an aerial attack on an

He then evaded capture on foot and walked towards Netherlands. He joined the Dutch resistance, before being liberated by the Allied forces 10 months later, in April 1945.

Duncan then rejoined the 353rd Fighter Group as its commanding officer, which was now equipped with the

During World War II, Duncan was credited with destroying 19.5 enemy aircraft in the air, 1 probable kill, and 7 damaged. He was also credited with destroying 9 enemy aircraft on the ground while strafing enemy airfields.

During his time with the 353rd FG, he flew aircraft bearing the name "Dove of Peace", with code LH-X. There were P-47s and P-51 with this title in the 353rd Fighter Group at that time.

Post war

He then served as an instructor with the Air National Guard until June 1949, when he became a White House Liaison Officer. Duncan served at the White House and with Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon until May 1953, when he was transferred to Japan to serve as Deputy Commander of the 39th Air Division at Misawa Air Base, from August 1953 to July 1956.

His next assignment was as Commander of the

Duncan died on July 14, 1998, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Glenn Duncan's ribbons, including retroactive awards:-^[4]

	Distinguished Service Cross
	Silver Star
	Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
	Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster
	Army Commendation Medal
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
	American Defense Service Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	campaign stars
	World War II Victory Medal
	Army of Occupation Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
	Korean Service Medal
	Korea Defense Service Medal
	Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and bronze oak leaf cluster
	Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
	Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
	Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)
	Croix de Guerre with Palm (Belgium)
	United Nations Service Medal for Korea
	Korean War Service Medal

Distinguished Service Cross citation

Duncan, Glenn E.

Lieutenant Colonel (then Major), U.S Army Air Forces

353rd Fighter Group, 8th Air Force

Date of Action: November 11, 1943

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 10, 1944)

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Major] Glenn Emile Duncan, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 353d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces over enemy-occupied Europe while leading a group of fighter aircraft on 11 November 1943. As a result of leading a squadron of his group against a large number of enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan became separated from his group. He observed enemy aircraft attacking bombers and, though at an unfavorable altitude and in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan vigorously attacked the enemy aircraft, destroying one and dispersing the remainder. While proceeding to his home base, he observed four enemy aircraft attacking a straggling Fortress. Although his gas supply was dangerously low, he engaged the enemy and dispersed them, thereby saving the Fortress and its crew. The action of Lieutenant Colonel Duncan reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.^[5]

References