Medals for the Living

One of them came from Greenwich, Conn., the other from Springer, N.Mex.; both were Army flyers. They had gone out to Australia together last year, brand-new second lieutenants. Together, they got to know the enemy, in time became aces.

Last fortnight Major Ted Cragg, of Greenwich, stepped out in front of the Fifth Fighter Command. Nine times his name was called, medals, stars or Oak Leaf Clusters were pinned to his tunic for each citation. They had been won over a long period, and they made him (with Major Thomas Lynch) the most decorated fighter pilot in the Southwest Pacific.

Cragg was proud of his medals, particularly the D.S.C. and the Silver Star. But his mind was on the man from New Mexico. He used to say, "If I could only shoot like Dan Roberts . . . he was the greatest deflection shot in New Guinea."

And Roberts used to reply, "If I could only fly like Porky Cragg I would never fear any Jap."

Captain Daniel T. Roberts, of Springer, N. Mex., was not present for the big parade. Three days before, he had been killed over Alexishafen when he tangled with his wingman while chasing a Zero.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.