Kempster LaShells
Award of Distinguished Flying Cross
Kempster M. LaShells, 6548465, Staff Sergeant, Spokane, Washington. For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European and North African Theatres of Operations as tail gunner on a B-17 type aircraft. On 21 June 1943, four enemy fighters attacked his formation and set fire to the number one engine of his bomber, totally disabling one gun in the tail gunner’s compartment and damaging the other. Although Sergeant LaShells was dazed by the burst, his quick thinking and coolness under fire enabled him to repair his one remaining gun, with which he was able to ward off further attacks. His courage, accurate gunnery and selfless devotion to duty during many missions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. GO #41, HQ Twelfth Air Force, 27 August 1943.
S/Sgt. Kempster M LaShells was assigned to the 301st BG 419th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): TG.
4/6/1943 Kemptster was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 6 April 1943, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). 5/24/1943 Air Medal / Oak Leaf Cluster 6/21/1943 DFC
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