Donald J. Gott
Encyclopedia
Donald J. Gott was a United States Army Air Forces
officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
—for his actions in World War II
.
, and by November 9, 1944 was a first lieutenant serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot in the 729th Bomb Squadron, 452nd Bombardment Group. On that day, during a bombing mission over Saarbrücken
, Germany, his plane was severely damaged and several of the crew wounded by enemy fire. Knowing that the most seriously injured crewman needed immediate medical aid, and fearing that he would not receive such aid if he was dropped by parachute
into enemy territory, Gott and the co-pilot, William E. Metzger, Jr.
, decided to try to fly the crippled aircraft back into Allied
territory. Once reaching friendly airspace, the two stayed behind with the seriously injured man while the other crewman parachuted to safety. Gott and his co-pilot attempted a crash landing, but the aircraft exploded before touching down, killing all three on board. For their actions, both Gott and Metzger were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on May 16, 1945.
Gott, aged 21 at his death, was buried in Harmon Cemetery, Harmon, Oklahoma.
United States Army Air Forces
The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
—for his actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Biography
Gott joined the Army from his birth place of Arnett, OklahomaArnett, Oklahoma
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 520 people, 238 households, and 140 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,233.1 people per square mile . There were 281 housing units at an average density of 666.4 per square mile...
, and by November 9, 1944 was a first lieutenant serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot in the 729th Bomb Squadron, 452nd Bombardment Group. On that day, during a bombing mission over Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken is the capital of the state of Saarland in Germany. The city is situated at the heart of a metropolitan area that borders on the west on Dillingen and to the north-east on Neunkirchen, where most of the people of the Saarland live....
, Germany, his plane was severely damaged and several of the crew wounded by enemy fire. Knowing that the most seriously injured crewman needed immediate medical aid, and fearing that he would not receive such aid if he was dropped by parachute
Parachute
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic lift. Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally silk, now most commonly nylon...
into enemy territory, Gott and the co-pilot, William E. Metzger, Jr.
William E. Metzger, Jr.
William E. Metzger, Jr. was a United States Army Air Forces officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
, decided to try to fly the crippled aircraft back into Allied
Allies of World War II
The Allies of World War II were the countries that opposed the Axis powers during the Second World War . Former Axis states contributing to the Allied victory are not considered Allied states...
territory. Once reaching friendly airspace, the two stayed behind with the seriously injured man while the other crewman parachuted to safety. Gott and his co-pilot attempted a crash landing, but the aircraft exploded before touching down, killing all three on board. For their actions, both Gott and Metzger were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on May 16, 1945.
Gott, aged 21 at his death, was buried in Harmon Cemetery, Harmon, Oklahoma.
Medal of Honor citation
First Lieutenant Gott's official Medal of Honor citation reads:On a bombing run upon the marshaling yards at Saarbrücken a B-17 aircraft piloted by 1st. Lt. Gott was seriously damaged by antiaircraft fireAnti-aircraft warfareNATO defines air defence as "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action." They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces...
. Three of the aircraft's engines were damaged beyond control and on fire; dangerous flames from the No. 4 engine were leaping back as far as the tail assembly. Flares in the cockpit were ignited and a fire raged therein, which was further increased by free-flowing fluidHydraulic fluidHydraulic fluids, also called hydraulic liquids, are the medium by which power is transferred in hydraulic machinery. Common hydraulic fluids are based on mineral oil or water...
from damaged hydraulic lines. The interphone system was rendered useless. In addition to these serious mechanical difficulties the engineer was wounded in the leg and the radio operator's arm was severed below the elbow. Suffering from intense pain, despite the application of a tourniquetTourniquetAn emergency tourniquet is a tightly tied band applied around a body part sometimes used in an attempt to stop severe traumatic bleeding. Tourniquets are also used during venipuncture and other medical procedures. Severe bleeding means the loss of more than 1,000 ml of blood. This flow of blood...
, the radio operator fell unconscious. Faced with the imminent explosion of his aircraft, and death to his entire crew, mere seconds before bombs away on the target, 1st. Lt. Gott and his copilot conferred. Something had to be done immediately to save the life of the wounded radio operator. The lack of a static lineStatic lineA static line is a fixed cord attached to a large, stable object. It is used for safety in construction andto open parachutes automatically for paratroopers and novice parachutists.-Use in parachuting:...
and the thought that his unconscious body striking the ground in unknown territory would not bring immediate medical attention forced a quick decision. 1st. Lt. Gott and his copilot decided to fly the flaming aircraft to friendly territory and then attempt to crash land. Bombs were released on the target and the crippled aircraft proceeded alone to Allied-controlled territory. When that had been reached, 1st. Lt. Gott had the copilot personally inform all crewmembers to bail out. The copilot chose to remain with 1st. Lt. Gott in order to assist in landing the bomber. With only one normally functioning engine, and with the danger of explosion much greater, the aircraft banked into an open field, and when it was at an altitude of 100 feet it exploded, crashed, exploded again and then disintegrated. All 3 crewmembers were instantly killed. 1st. Lt. Gott's loyalty to his crew, his determination to accomplish the task set forth to him, and his deed of knowingly performing what may have been his last service to his country was an example of valor at its highest.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II