Page 45 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2

Because We Flew
Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the call of the wild that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.
When a good flyer leaves the job and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.
We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.
We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet.
We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was, and in his heart, still is.
Because we flew, we envy no man on earth.
Author Anonymous
Member Citations
DFC Awards for Heroism or Extraordinary Achievement
Frederick L. Verderber
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class Frederick L. Verderber for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner on a B-26 attack bomber with the 3d Bombardment Wing, Light, Fifth Air Force, on the night of 31 March 1953. While flying on a combination Road Block-Rail Reconnaissance mission, Airman Verderber exhibited extraordinary airmanship, aerial marksmanship, and crew coordination. Despite poor visibility due to haze, an effective roadblock was positioned with stoppage of enemy vehicular traffic. Between Pyongyang and Sariwon,
Korea, an enemy supply vehicle was sighted and destroyed by strafing. South of Chinnampo two (2) effective rail cuts were accomplished despite battle damage encountered from ground fire directed at the attacking aircraft. During the course of the mission, an additional two supply vehicles were sighted and aggressively attacked and destroyed by fire and explosion. A hostile flak position was also attacked and silenced. This mission greatly aided the United Nations’ Night Interdiction Program by depriving the enemy use of vital supplies, equipment, and means of transportation. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty, Airman Vanderber has brought great credit upon himself, his organization, and the United States Air Force.
46 / DFCS News Magazine / WINTER 2018