1ST LT. FLYGSTAD AWARDED CLUSTER TO FLYING CROSS
According to a dispatch from an Eighty air force bomber station in England to the Freeman-Journal First Lt. Donald B. Flygstad, navigator on a B-17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bankie Flygstad of near this city, has been awarded an oak leaf cluster to the Distinguished flying cross for “extraordinary achievement” while participating in Eighth air force heavy bombing attacks against Fulda, Germany, last December and three other targets on subsequent dates—attacks which helped to bring the war in Europe to a successful conclusion.
The citation accompanying the award stated, in part: “Lt. Flygstad demonstrated exceptional proficiency in guiding the formations to the assigned targets. The outstanding navigational skill displayed by the AAF lieutenant materially contributed to the success of these important operations. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the army air forces.
Lt. Flygstad holder of the decorations of the air medal with three oak leaf clusters, is a member of a fortress group, commanded by Lt. Col. Robert H. Stuart of San Jose Cal., which has received two distinguished unit citations. One was for leading the first American bombing attack on targets in Berlin in March, 1944; the other, for outstanding bombing of railroad marshaling yards at Munster, Germany, in October 1943.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - June 8, 1945
Donald Bankie Flygstad was born Dec, 15, 1918 to Bankie and Myrtle Flygstad.
Lt. Flygstad served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. He was a navigator on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the Eighth air force in Europe. He was awarded an Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster.
Donald died Feb. 9, 2018 and is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
