An American Silver Star To 15Th Air Force For Gallantry In The Mediterranean Theatre

Silver Star, to Second Lieutenant (Bombardier) Lloyd C. McKenzie, 825th Bomb Squadron, 484th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces. Two-piece construction, silver star placed upon a bronze gilt star-shaped base, engraved "LLOYD C. McKENZIE" on the reverse, 34.5 mm x 36.3 mm, original ribbon with brooch pinback, extremely fine.

Footnote: Lloyd C. McKenzie was born on May 31, 1922 in Mayberry Township, Illinois, the son of Fred T. McKenzie and Ora Faye (Davis) McKenzie. He was a resident of Norris City, Illinois when he enlisted with the United States Army Air Forces, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Ora F. McKenzie of Norris City. 0776582 Second Lieutenant (Bombardier) Lloyd C. McKenzie, 825th Bomb Squadron, 484th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force was awarded the Silver Star on April 6, 1945 by Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 2125 (1945) "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Fifteenth Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of Action". McKenzie was cited for "gallantry in action as bombardier of a B-24 type aircraft. On 21 February 1945, Lt McKenzie led a group formation on a bombing mission against a vital enemy communications center in Austria. Approaching the target his formation encountered intense, accurate, and heavy anti-aircraft fire which severely damaged his aircraft, and set one engine on fire. Despite eminent danger of explosion, realizing the importance of his lead position, Lt McKenzie remained at his position bringing his group formation through enemy fire for a highly successful bombing run. Under his superior leadership, the bombs from his entire formation were well concentrated in the target area, inflicting grave damage on vital enemy installations and supplies. Leaving the objective his aircraft was seen to loose altitude and the crew began to abandon the stricken plane. By his conspicuous gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout his combat career, Lt McKenzie has upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America." He was later reported as a Prisoner of War in March 1945 and was subsequently returned to American control after the war. He returned to the United States and in his civilian life, worked as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and was a fifty year plus member of the Norris City Masonic Lodge, May Lodge #718 and the American Legion. Lloyd C. McKenzie of Downers Grove, Illinois died on October 3, 2015 at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois, at the age of 93. He was survived by his daughter, Sally McKenzie of Downers Grove, his son, Stan McKenzie of Montrose, Colorado, and four grandchildren. Masonic Rites were performed at the Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, with burial taking place at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Norris City, with full military rites by the Carmi American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.