William R. Lawley Jr.
United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient
William Robert Lawley Jr. (August 23, 1920 – May 30, 1999) 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.
Early life
Born in 1920 in Leeds, Alabama, Lawley graduated from high school in his hometown in 1938.
Military career
Lawley joined the Army Air Forces from Birmingham, Alabama in April 1942, and earned his wings and commission at Altus, Oklahoma, in April 1943.
World War II
By February 20, 1944, Lawley was a first lieutenant serving as a pilot in the 364th Bomb Squadron, 305th Bomb Group. On that day, during a bombing mission over Nazi-controlled Europe, his B-17 Flying Fortress came under attack by enemy fighter aircraft. With his plane severely damaged and on fire, he ordered his crew to parachute to safety. Finding that two crewmen were too badly injured to bail out, Lawley chose to remain in the aircraft and, despite his own serious wounds, attempt to pilot it into friendly territory. Although weakened from loss of blood and shock, he was able to make a successful crash landing in England. Lawley recovered from his wounds and, on August 8, 1944, was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Lawley flew 14 combat missions until June 1944 as a first lieutenant.
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