Bronze Star Medal Presentation
Channel: National World War II Glider Pilots
Date: 11/11/2013

Major Robert Swenson USAFR (Retired), of Bellevue Washington, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in WWII at a ceremony conducted in conjunction with the Trigger Time 8 convention on August 10, 2013, at the Seatac Double Tree Hotel.  Major Swenson, who turned 90 on July 10th 2013, received this award for his actions in the last major airborne operation of WWII in the European Theatre of Operations, the Rhine River crossing at Wesel, Germany on March 24, 1945, in what was dubbed 'The Battle of Burp Gun Corner'.

The medal was authorized by congress on September 7, 1995 to recognize the members of a military infantry company—435th Provisional Glider Pilot Infantry Company— that stopped a German attack at midnight on March 24, 1945.  What made this company unique was that it was made up entirely of Army Air Force glider pilots who were all officers.  

Major General Kenneth Dahl, I Corps Deputy Commanding General from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) presented the award.  Just prior to the General's introduction, the Colors,  representing the Air Force and Army, were presented by the I Corps Color Guard lead by Sgt. Johnny L. Bowers US Army.  Jackie Frasier, Major Swenson's granddaughter sang a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.  For further information an article was written by Eric Lacitis in the August 16, 2013 Seattle Times http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021630149_gliderpilotxml.html