Preddy's DSC

Major George E. Preddy Jr., already a high scoring ace when he and his squadron were sent on a bomber escort mission to Brandenberg on 6 August 1944, was involved in a fierce air battle with the Luftwaffe, intent on destroying the bombers. In the melee that followed, Preddy shot down an unprecedented six Messerschmitt Bf-109 fighters. Col. John Meyer, Preddy's group commander, recommended him for the Medal of Honor. For obscure reasons, Army Air Force staff talked Meyer into withdrawing his recommendation and instead, Preddy was awarded his nation's second most prestigious medal for bravery in combat, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Preddy was shot down and killed by "friendly fire" on Christmas day 1944. He remains the highest scoring Mustang ace of all time.

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