Darrell Lindsey: The Sole B-26 Marauder Crewman Awarded Medal of Honor

On May 30, 1945, Captain Darrell Robins Lindsey posthumously received the Medal of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary bravery as the only crewman of a Martin B-26 Marauder to earn this prestigious military award. Lindsey’s acts of heroism occurred during a critical bombing mission over German-occupied France, where his leadership and resilience played a pivotal role in the Allied campaign.

The United States Army Air Forces comprised two significant air arms during the Allied invasion of France in 1944. The more renowned was the Eighth Air Force, known for its strategic bombing missions, while the Ninth Air Force provided crucial tactical support to ground troops. Lindsey, who enlisted as an Army Air Corps cadet on January 16, 1942, epitomized the courage and skill of the Ninth Air Force’s pilots.

After completing his training, Lindsey received his second lieutenant’s commission on August 27, 1942, and was assigned to the 585th Squadron, part of the 384th Bombardment Group (Medium), at Kellogg Field, Michigan. By 1943, he had advanced to captain and was leading bombing missions by March 1944 when the 394th Bomb Group arrived in Boreham, England, to support the Ninth Air Force.

As the Allies advanced from Normandy toward the port of Cherbourg, Lindsey’s squadron undertook critical bombing operations against German military installations. By August 9, 1944, Lindsey had completed 46 missions, totaling 143 combat hours.

On August 12, 1944, Lindsey led a formation of 30 aircraft to target a railroad bridge at L’Isle-Adam, strategically located 25 kilometers northwest of Paris. This bridge was vital for the Germans as they attempted to bring reinforcements and supplies to counter the Allied advance. The Germans had fortified the area with formidable 88mm anti-aircraft guns, presenting a significant threat to the incoming strike.

As the squadron approached the target, heavy flak erupted around them, and Lindsey’s aircraft sustained multiple hits. Despite the damage, he expertly maneuvered his stricken B-26 back into formation. However, the right engine caught fire, and the danger of an explosion loomed. Demonstrating unwavering determination, Lindsey pressed on with the bombing run, leading the formation to release their 2,000-pound bombs on the bridge.

Following the successful strike, Lindsey ordered his crew to parachute to safety while he maintained control of the aircraft. The last crewman, the bombardier, offered to lower the landing gear for Lindsey’s escape. He insisted on waiting until the bombardier had exited before attempting his own escape. Tragically, just as he attempted to follow, the aircraft’s right tank exploded, sending the plane into a steep dive before it crashed, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.

The mission on L’Isle-Adam marked a significant contribution to the Allied effort, culminating in the destruction of four bridges and an ammunition dump, which helped thwart the German counterattack. This success contributed to the encirclement of the German army at Falaise and played a role in the liberation of Paris by the end of August 1944. For their accomplishments, the 394th Bomb Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.

In a ceremony held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge, Major General Robert B. Williams, commander of the Second Air Force, presented the Medal of Honor to Lindsey’s widow. The citation highlighted the profound impact of Lindsey’s actions, noting, “All who are alive today from this plane owe their lives to the fact that Captain Lindsey remained cool and showed supreme courage in this emergency.”

Captain Darrell Lindsey’s legacy continues to inspire, standing as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Second World War. His story remains a significant part of the history of the Ninth Air Force and the broader narrative of the Allied victory in Europe.