On October 7, 1944, flying a P-51 Mustang over Germany, Major Urban Drew made history. He became the first Allied pilot to shoot down two Me 262 jet fighters—all in a single mission. But without gun camera footage or a surviving wingman, his claim went unrecognized for decades.

Nearly 40 years later, military records confirmed the feat—and in 1983, he was finally awarded the Air Force Cross.

Air Force Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major (Air Corps) (then First Lieutenant) Urban L. "Ben" Drew, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane and Leader of Blue Flight, 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force in action near Hamm, Germany, on 7 October 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Drew became the first Allied pilot to shoot down in combat two Me 262 aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Lieutenant Drew reflected the highest credit on himself and the United States Air Force.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more true stories of American military heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMN1lzlPAu16EUXJlHOj2w/join

Copyright © 2025 Duty & Valor. All rights reserved.