John Louis Jerstad

The bomber was burning. Enemy antiaircraft fire filled the sky. The target was still ahead. Major John Louis “Jack” Jerstad had a chance to escape, but he chose to complete his mission. On August 1, 1943, his extraordinary courage during Operation Tidal Wave, the American bombing raid on Ploiești, Romania, would earn him the Medal of Honor and establish his legacy as one of World War II's most remarkable aviation heroes.

Born on February 12, 1918, in Racine, Wisconsin, John Louis Jerstad grew up with a strong sense of duty and service. A graduate of Northwestern University, he briefly worked as a teacher before entering the U.S. Army Air Forces in July 1941. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in February 1942, he became a B-24 Liberator pilot with the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group. His combat career took him from antisubmarine patrols to dangerous bombing operations over North Africa and German-occupied Europe.

Jerstad quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional combat pilot and leader. On May 17, 1943, he led his bombardment group on one of the longest missions undertaken in the European theater. Despite intense enemy antiaircraft fire, he skillfully guided the formation to its objective and brought every aircraft through the mission without loss. His remarkable leadership earned him the Silver Star for gallantry in action, authorized under Headquarters, Eighth Air Force, General Orders No. 74, dated June 12, 1943. His distinguished flying service was also recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

By the summer of 1943, Jerstad had already completed more than his required combat missions and had been reassigned to wing headquarters. He could have remained away from the dangers of frontline flying. Instead, when plans emerged for Operation Tidal Wave, a daring low-altitude attack against the Romanian oil refineries supplying Nazi Germany, he volunteered to return to combat.

On August 1, 1943, Jerstad flew alongside Lieutenant Colonel Addison E. Baker aboard the lead B-24 Liberator, Hell's Wench. As the formation approached Ploiești, German defenses unleashed devastating antiaircraft fire. Approximately three miles from the target, their bomber suffered severe damage and burst into flames.

A field suitable for an emergency landing lay below them. Turning away might have offered a chance of survival. Yet Jerstad and Baker continued toward the heavily defended refineries, determined to fulfill their mission. Their aircraft carried out its final attack before the uncontrollable fire brought it crashing into the target area. Jerstad was killed at just 25 years of age.

For this extraordinary sacrifice, Jerstad received the Medal of Honor posthumously under War Department General Orders No. 72, dated October 28, 1943. His official citation praised his voluntary acceptance of an exceptionally dangerous mission and his unwavering commitment to duty despite overwhelming danger. The medal was presented to his parents in Racine on November 21, 1943.

His sacrifice was also recognized through the Purple Heart. His broader wartime service was reflected in the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. The 93rd Bombardment Group also earned Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat achievements, including the historic Ploiești operation.

Today, Major John Louis Jerstad rests at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. His name remains inseparable from the bravery of the American airmen who flew into the deadly skies over Ploiești.

He had already fulfilled his duty. He volunteered to fly again.

And when his aircraft was burning, he chose the mission over his own survival.

That is the enduring legacy of Medal of Honor recipient John L. Jerstad, a pilot whose courage, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire generations.