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WWII vet receives Purple Heart

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sixty-two years after receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Air Forces, a former B-24 flight engineer from the 494th Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, received a Purple Heart Medal at a ceremony in Stephenville, Texas, July 13. 

Staff Sgt. Elbert Lindley, 89, was wounded in action by Japanese hostile fire May 11, 1945, near Guam. Two of his former "cowbird" crewmembers, Donald Weaver, tail gunner, and Charles Milliorn, flight engineer, also attended the ceremony, hosted by Col. Timothy Ray, 7th Bomb Wing commander. The three men are the last known surviving members of the 10-man crew known as "Kelley's Kobras." 

"As a kid, I always admired the World War II aviators, so this is a dream come true," Colonel Ray said. "It's the honor of a lifetime to be able to present such a distinguished decoration to an American hero." 

The ceremony, which more than 140 people turned out for, included remarks from House Conference Secretary John Carter, who also said Sergeant Lindley's actions a "fantastic example" of service and loyalty to his country. 

Sergeant Lindley, an Eastland, Texas, native said it was an honor to receive the award, especially since it was so long in coming. He said the bond he formed with his fellow gunners during the Japanese invasion was permanent and deep, something you only gain through bleeding with a friend. 

Both of the other men present performed self-aid and buddy care on Sergeant Lindley, saving his life. 

House Conference Secretary John Carter also attended the ceremony. Other awards and decorations Sergeant Lindley received were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Efficiency/Honor/Fidelity Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with seven devices. 

"This man is living proof of the fact that air power is effective," Colonel Ray said. "I have no doubt that the Airmen in this room are of the same caliber today that they were in Sergeant Lindley's day ... and his service should be remembered in history."