News Clipping 2

The Flint Journal - April 24, 1945

“Sgt. D.L. Hursh, Lt. G.M. Barnes, Gunner and Pilot, Decorated”

Two Flint men have been decorated with Air Medals for “meritorious achievement” in aerial operations over enemy territory, their families have been notified. They are:

Staff Sgt. David L. Hursh, 20, engineer gunner aboard a Flying Fortress based in Italy.

First Lt. George M. Barnes, 29, a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot.

Sgt. Hursh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil L. Hursh, 1153 Reynolds Ave., was awarded the Air Medal with three clusters and a Presidential Citation. Veteran of 50 missions completed March 26, when he participated in a raid over Weiner Neustadt, Austria, the airman has informed his parents that he is en route home. He is a Beecher High school graduate, was employed at Buick when he enlisted in September, 1943, and began his combat career in August when his group attacked Vienna. He recently took part in the longest raid ever flown in the Fifteenth Air Force to Berlin.

Lt. Barnes, whose wife, Edith, lives at 1307 Clifford St., received his award for missions completed in the Southwest Pacific area. He is a former S.S. Kresge Co. employee, was inducted in August 1941, and received his commission in October, 1942. He was promoted to his present rank shortly before going overseas a year ago.