Jerome, Clayton, LtGen

While serving in the latter capacity, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in April 1937, for his daring rescue of the survivors of a Venezuelan plane crash. Using an amphibious plane, he repeatedly flew over the treacherous jungles of Cuyuni in search of the wreck. After finding it, he made two hazardous landings on the narrow Cuyuni River to rescue four survivors.

The general had also demonstrated his flying ability in January 1930, when the hand control or "stick" of his plane broke off at the socket while he was practicing acrobatics 2,000 feet over the city of San Diego, California. Since a crash would have resulted in death or property damage for people on the ground, he elected to stay with the plane rather than parachute. He righted the craft to normal flying position by maneuvering the socket with his hand; then, lashing the stick back to the socket with his handkerchief, trouser belt and necktie, he made a successful landing.

As previously mentioned, the general held the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V," Gold Star in lieu of a second and Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of third and fourth awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal. His other medals and decorations include the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with one bronze star; the World War I Victory Medal; the Yangtze Service Medal; the Expeditionary Medal; the Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal; the American Defense Service Medal with Base clasp; the American Area Campaign Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with one silver star in lieu of five bronze stars, The World War II Victory Medal, The National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars; the United Nations Service Medal; the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star and the rank of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (New Zealand award).