George S. Delianites

Staff Sergeant George Delianites entered the United States Army Air Force in 1943, and was a tail gunner on a B25. He was part of the 13th Air Force, also known as the Jungle Air Force, and 75th Bomb Squadron, 42nd Bomb Group, known as the “Fighting 13,” was stationed in New Guinea.

On January 21, 1945, on his 50th mission, Staff Sgt. Delianites’ plane was shot down in the Pacific. He had been in the rear with the radioman, who was on his first mission and too afraid to come out of the plane. Staff Sgt. Delianites jumped onto the wing, got the raft, and yanked the radioman out of the plane and onto the raft as it was sinking. At that point, he did not know if the other three airmen had made it out. After the plane sank, he was able to see the other three – the pilot, the co-pilot, who was also on his first mission, and the flight engineer – where he paddled over to get them onto the raft. They were out at sea for two days before being rescued and taken back to base. After some R&R in Australia, Staff Sgt. Delianites flew 12 more missions.

In honor of his service and bravery, Staff Sgt. Delianites received the Purple Heart, Air Medal and Bronze Star. He is a true American hero, who served his country with honor, putting his life on the line to preserve freedom and democracy.