William A. Shomo-Greensburg, PA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 40° 17.994 W 079° 30.996
17T E 626069 N 4462099
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action as a pilot of a fighter plane over Luzon, Philippine Islands on January 11, 1945. He is buried in Saint Clair Cemetery, Greensburg, PA in Section D, Lot 134-D, Grave 2.
Waymark Code: WMX82Q
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 12/10/2017
Views: 2
He was born on May 30, 1918 in Jeannette, PA and died on June 25, 1990 in Pittsburgh, PA. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: SHOMO, WILLIAM A. (Air Mission)
• Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
• Place and date: Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 11 January 1945
• Entered service at: Westmoreland County, Pa.
• G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. Shomo was lead pilot of a flight of 2 fighter planes charged with an armed photographic and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airdromes. While en route to the objective, he observed an enemy twin engine bomber, protected by 12 fighters, flying about 2,500 feet above him and in the opposite direction Although the odds were 13 to 2, Maj. Shomo immediately ordered an attack. Accompanied by his wingman he closed on the enemy formation in a climbing turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy formed for Counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane; then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman had shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters had fled into a cloudbank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft in one action is unparalleled in the southwest Pacific area.
Armed Service: Air Force
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