| Birth: | Sep. 28, 1917 | | Death: | Nov. 2, 1943 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia and enlisted in the Army in July 1936. Served as a Major, U.S. Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater. On November 2, 1943, he led a formation of eight B-25s against enemy Japanese shipping in Simpson Harbor, Rabaul, New Britain. His airplane was hit almost immediately but he held fast and led his squadron into the attack. He strafed a group of small harbor vessels and then at low level, attacked an destroyed two enemy ships. With his damaged stabilizer completely shot off, he avoided swerving into his wing planes by deliberately exposing his B-25 to enemy fire. Past control, he and his bomber crashed into the sea. His self sacrifice made possible the safe withdrawal of the remaining planes of his squadron. It was his 87th combat mission. In addition to the Medal of Honor he was also awarded the Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals and the Purple Heart. (bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith)
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Note: Body lost at sea, remains never found | | | Burial:
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
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Manila
Metro Manila
National Capital, Philippines
*Cenotaph [?] |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Record added: Nov 22, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 8113601 |
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Mona Cote
Added: Feb. 12, 2013 |
Rest in peace, Major. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May we always honor the high price you paid for our freedom. God bless you for your gallant defence of a noble cause. Because of your intrepidity, millions still live in the light of the free...(Read more)
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Sharon
Added: Sep. 28, 2012 |
HAPPY. BIRTHDAY
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Robin Jaggers
Added: Sep. 28, 2012 |
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