M/SGT John Heagney was born November 4, 1916 in Queens, New York and died February 1, 1993. He enlisted in the Air Corps on September 28, 1940 for the "Philippine Department". He is interred in the Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, NY, which is near the eastern end of Long Island.
Heagney was awarded the Air Medal by Headquarters Tenth Air Force General Oder No. 58, dated July 1, 1943. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by General Order 36, Hq. India-Burma Sector, China-Burma-India Theater, March 12, 1944. His home address at that time was listed as 80-24 213th Street, Queens Village, Long Island, New York. Copies of the award cards accompany this group.
The medal group includes the officially hand engraved Distinguished Flying Cross numbered 9857, mini DFC, solid brooch Air Medal numbered 5800, New York State Conspicuous Gallantry Cross numbered 21389, Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal, American Defense medal, WW2 Victory medal, and Army Good Conduct medal. In addition, the Nationalist China Victory Commemodation Medal numbered 6129 is included. This is one of the early medals awarded to eligible Americans immediately after the war by the Chinese Nationalist government. In addition the following are included: a silver theater made aircrew wing, theater made pin back CBI DI's, theater made bullion CBI patch, Air Force patch, collar wing and prop insignia, lapel Ruptured Duck and silver ID bracelet with name, rank and serial number on front and "From Blanche" on reverse.
The 10th Air Force was activated February 12, 1942. They moved to India in March through May of 1942, serving in India, Burma and China until March of 1943, when the 14th Air Force was activated in China. Then the 10th operated in India and Burma until it moved to China late in July 1945. The 10th returned to the US between December 1945 and January 1946. The 10th was deactivated January 6, 1946.
