US Army Air Forces Maj Ralph Cheli: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

On Aug. 18, 1943, Major Ralph Cheli was leading a dive-bombing mission over New Guinea in WWII when his plane was hit and engulfed in flames. Rather than abandon the attack to save himself, he chose to stay with his squadron, leading them through a successful strike on the heavily defended Dagua airdrome in New Guinea. Only after the mission was complete did he break formation—crashing into the sea moments later. His selfless decision to remain in his burning aircraft saved lives and earned him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. While Maj. Cheli was leading his squadron in a dive to attack the heavily defended Dagua airdrome, intercepting enemy aircraft centered their fire on his plane, causing it to burst into flames while still two miles from the objective. His speed would have enabled him to gain necessary altitude to parachute to safety, but this action would have resulted in his formation becoming disorganized and exposed to the enemy. Although a crash was inevitable, he courageously elected to continue leading the attack in his blazing plane. From a minimum altitude, the squadron made a devastating bombing and strafing attack on the target. The mission completed, Maj. Cheli instructed his wingman to lead the formation and crashed into the sea.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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