WWII Named B-17 DFC Grouping (91st BG)

An exceptional, 100% historically documented and officially government-engraved US World War II Distinguished Flying Cross medal set. The reverse of the bronze cross is beautifully and officially named to Lea M. Cairns.

Lea M. Cairns served during the height of the air war over Europe as a Technical Sergeant (T/Sgt.) with the legendary 91st Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. Stationed at RAF Bassingbourn, England, the 91st—famously known as "The Ragged Irregulars"—undertook some of the most hazardous daylight bombing missions of the war deep into Nazi Germany. Given his rank of Technical Sergeant, Cairns operated in the perilous role of Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress, managing mechanical emergencies in mid-air while defending the aircraft from Luftwaffe fighters.

D-Day & Operation Market Garden
During the historic Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, the 91st Bomb Group was heavily engaged in tactical pounding of the German Atlantic Wall. In the crucial hours before infantry hit Omaha and Utah beaches, Cairns’ unit flew hazardous missions through thick cloud cover to neutralize German coastal fortifications. Later, in September 1944 during Operation Market Garden, the 91st played a vital role in clearing the skies. Cairns and his squadron were sent on high-stakes missions to suppress and destroy the dense networks of German anti-aircraft (Flak) batteries dug in along the invasion corridors toward Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem, protecting the defenseless transport planes carrying Allied paratroopers.

During WWII in the 8th Air Force, the Distinguished Flying Cross was strictly awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight. While it could be awarded for a single act of extreme valor, the 8th Air Force typically awarded the DFC to crew members who successfully completed a full, grueling combat tour of heavy bombardment missions over occupied Europe. Statistically, the 91st Bomb Group suffered the highest aircraft loss rate of any heavy bomb group in the 8th Air Force, making T/Sgt. Cairns’ survival and documented heroism a true testament to the "Mighty Eighth".

T/Sgt. Cairns was officially awarded this Distinguished Flying Cross on December 14, 1944. This complete set includes:
• The Named DFC Medal: In absolute top condition, showing beautiful patina, officially engraved on the reverse: "LEA M. CAIRNS".
• The Ribbon Bar (Baton): Fitted with an original bronze service star, indicating active participation in major, critical air campaigns over Europe.
• The Lapel Pin: The enamel civilian dress/lapel pin for civilian wear.
• The Case: The original black leatherette presentation case with gold-leaf borders and the embossed title "DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS".

Military records indicate that besides the DFC, Cairns also earned the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. After surviving the dangerous skies of Europe, he returned to the US, spent his post-war life in California, and passed away in 2016. A paramount piece of 8th Air Force aviation history, completely untouched and attributed to a true B-17 crew veteran!