Distinguished Flying Cross info needed...

[M1Marksman]

As part of my WW2 militaria collection, I have a Distinguished Flying Cross medal in the original presentation case, with service ribbon. I bought this medal in the late 70's at a military surplus store in Chicago, which is no longer in business. I did contact the National Archives to inquire about the recipient, but they have no information on him. I know there was a fire at the archives in 1974 & maybe his info was lost there. I found a list of DFC recipients on Wikipedia, but his name was not on it. Does anybody have any ideas on how to track this person's accomplishments made during the war? The recipient's name is John M. Raws. Thanks for looking.

[texlurch]

One long shot would be to check the local newspapers obituaries from where you bought it. That may give you more info to draw from, maybe even family members to contact.

There is a DFC.org site on the web, possible that they might have something...

[M1Marksman]

Checked the DFC site first,same names as Wikipedia. Tried the National Archives. I wouldn't know which newspaper to try or which year. I don't know if the guy or his family lived in Chicago, or the medal somehow made its way there. Just thought I'd throw it out there...

[fal_762x51]

I'll bum from the university's interlibrary loan system. I'll let you know what this history major finds.