American Book Awards
1 appearances
-
Edition 18 (1997) Winner
William M. Banks
ウィリアム・エム・バンクス
Uiriamu M. Bankusu
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1915-09-01 （Raleigh, West Virginia, U.S.）
- Died
- 1983-05-06 （San Antonio, Texas, U.S.） age 67
- Nationality
- United States
- Languages
- English
- Residence History
- Raleigh, West Virginia (birthplace) → San Antonio, Texas (later life) → Norway (military assignment) → Beckley, West Virginia (burial)
Career
- Occupations
- Military officer, Pilot
- Active Years
- 1933-1963
- Affiliations
- 348th Fighter Group, 342nd Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, United States Air Force
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air War College (Maxwell AFB) | — | — | — | 1951-06〜1952-06 | United States |
| Aviation Cadet Program (U.S. Army Air Corps) | — | — | — | 1941-03〜1941-11 | United States |
Air War College (Maxwell AFB)
Period:
1951-06〜1952-06
Year of Graduation:
1952
Country:
United States
Completed Air War College course
Aviation Cadet Program (U.S. Army Air Corps)
Period:
1941-03〜1941-11
Year of Graduation:
1941
Country:
United States
Awarded pilot wings and commissioned as second lieutenant in 1941
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944 | Silver Star | — | — | United States military | 受賞 |
| — | Legion of Merit | — | — | United States military | 受賞 |
| — | Distinguished Flying Cross | — | — | United States military | 受賞 |
| — | Air Medal | — | — | United States military | 受賞 |
Silver Star
1944
Organization:
United States military
Result:
受賞
Legion of Merit
Organization:
United States military
Result:
受賞
Distinguished Flying Cross
Organization:
United States military
Result:
受賞
Air Medal
Organization:
United States military
Result:
受賞
Awards & Nominations
Legacy
William M. Banks was a World War II flying ace who continued a career in the U.S. Air Force until retiring in 1963. He commanded fighter units, earned multiple decorations, and was tried and acquitted in connection with the 1961 Texas Tower 4 incident. He is recognized as one of the notable fighter pilots in the Pacific theater.
Archives
- Sunset Memorial Park (Beckley, West Virginia)
Quotes
-
Major Banks led an element to gain information on the deployment of enemy opposition, attacked and sent an enemy aircraft crashing to the ground, then joined in the ensuing battle and brought down another fighter. His outstanding leadership and gallantry reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.
Source: Silver Star citation (dated December 24, 1944) (1944)
Trivia
- Nickname: Bill.
- Credited with 9 aerial victories during World War II (flying ace).
- Flew aircraft named "Sunshine" (P-47 and P-51 bearing the name).
- Was charged in connection with the 1961 Texas Tower 4 collapse but was acquitted by a court-martial.