Lt. Woolery Silver Star posthumously

Friends, it is an honor and a privilege to present the following piece of history for your consideration. It tells the story of one young pilot who literally dove headlong into battle at the cost of his life. Let us never forget that our Freedom has been bought at the price of the lives of those who, like Lt. Woolery, rushed into battle with no thought of their own safety.

First Lieutenant Edward R. Woolery, Army Air Corps, is the recipient posthumously, of two Purple Hearts (for wounds on December 8, 1941, and for his life being taken in combat against an armed enemy), and a Distinguish Flying Cross for achievement as a pilot during the period December 7,1941 to January 21,1942.

The presentation of this Silver Star concludes four years of activity by Lt. Woolery's son, Edward Woolery-Price, to have recognized his father’s gallant heroism on January 30, 1942.

In 1998, after reading the book, Doomed at the Start; by Mr William Bartsch, Mr.Woolery-Price began compiling information, and with the support of Mr. Bartsch and two retired officers who flew with LtWoolery from that small air field on the Bataan Peninsula, on January 30,1942, he was able to submit a request for a medal for heroism that resulted in a determination that the Silver Star be awarded Lt. Woolery.

The submission of the request would not have been possible without the support of Senator Phil Gramm, and his staff, and the encouragement and assistance of Mr. Bartsch, LTC William H. Rowe, and COL John H. Posten.

Thank you.
Prepared by Edward Woolery-Pnce, with the able assistance of iMac, and Patti Woolery-Price.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, has awarded the SILVER STAR to

Edward R. Woolery (THEN FIRST LIEUTENANT, AIR CORPS, ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES)

For gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States in the Philippine Islands on 30 January 1942. On this date, Lieutenant Woolery was flight leader of three P-40 aircraft departing from Bataan Field before dawn, on a mission to bomb and strafe enemy forces at Waterous Field, 160 miles south of Bataan Field, and near San Jose on the island of Midoro. Arriving over Waterous at day break on 30 January 1942, at a risk to himself rather than allowing others in his flight to be point man, Lieutenant Woolery personally led
the attack and leveled out at 100 feet. Not finding a target of opportunity, he did not release his bombs. Circling and not seeing any enemy activity in the area, he then led his flight to and landed at nearby San Jose where he learned that the information on enemy forces at Waterous had been provided by the enemy to lure pilots from Bataan Field. Lieutenant Woolery then led his flight back to Bataan Field and, acting on his own initiative, because he and one other P-40 still had bombs, commenced to lead an attack upon enemy front lines located on the northwest corner of Manila Bay before returning to Bataan Field. Leveling off at 7,000 feet, he then commenced a dive over enemy lines. During the dive Lieutenant Woolery’s plane exploded in a ball of fire that resulted in his death. Stout hearted and indomitable in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Woolery, by his gallant and courageous actions reflect the highest traditions of the military service and Army Air Corps and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, and United States Army.