Col. William Roderick Cameron, USAF

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) William Roderick Cameron (ASN: 0-727169), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 67th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. As Commanding Officer of the 67th Bombardment Squadron, Major Cameron was leading his squadron of B-24D type aircraft in a daring low-level raid on an important oil refinery when, some ten miles from the target, his airplane was subjected to intense gunfire from enemy installations. Realizing that to take the normal evasive action customary would disrupt the formation, Major Cameron, rather than risk the success of so vital a mission, held his course straight to the target, even though it had been previously attacked and delayed-action bombs were bursting among the blazing oil tanks. By his accurate piloting and brave determination Major Cameron contributed highly to the successful destruction of the objective. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cameron on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Pilot Captain William R. Cameron SS POW Hometown: Hanford, California Squadron: 67th BS 44th Bomb Group Service# Awards: Silver Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart

Target: Rumanian Oil Fields Mission Date : 1-Aug-43 Serial Number: Aircraft Model B-24D Aircraft Letter: P Aircraft: BUZZIN' BEAR Location: Buzzin Bear successfully returned to base in Libya.

Captain (later Colonel) Cameron was awarded the Silver Star for valor. The crew were awarded the Distinguished flying Cross in "Operation Tidal Wave" the low level mission to destroy Romanian oil refineries. Later that month BUZZIN' BEAR was shot down and Captain Cameron was made a POW.