Eugene or Gene, as he was also known, was one of seven sons and one daughter born to James Patrick and Mary A. Greene who married about 1906 in New York. His siblings were James Joseph, Marie C., John Aloysius, Thomas Hastings "Hasty," Roger Charles, William R., and Francis Xavier Greene. Six of the children were born in Nassau County, New York and two, Eugene and Thomas, were born in Smithtown, Suffolk, NY. Mrs Mary A. Greene died suddenly shortly before Christmas, 1932, leaving eight children between the ages of 7-24, and her husband to provide from them.
Eugene Michael Greene was one of 39 students from the academic department who received their academic diplomas from St. Francis Prep High School in Brooklyn, NY at commencement exercises on 10 June 1932 (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 11 June 1932). He neither graduated from St Francis in 1936 nor attended a St Paul HS as some researchers have said. There was a four year gap between his high school graduation and start of college in 1936. Speculation was that after his mother died in Dec 1932, he had to find work to help support the family and raise money for his own tuition for college. Eugene Michael Greene began classes in Sept 1936 at Rhode Island State College (RISC) (Later named University of Rhode Island) and graduated at commencement exercises on 14 Jun 1940 in Kingston, RI. with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in physical education.
During his collegiate career Gene, true to his interest in sports and athletics in general, played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf (Capt.senior year). He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the school yearbook, Grist. He was active in campus committees and clubs. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.* There was no evidence that I can find that Gene participated in the Army ROTC program for two years as claimed by URI Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC). There was, however, a John T. Greene who participated.
Eugene Michael Greene, b. 21 Nov 1914 in Smithtown, NY, registered for the WWII draft on 16 Oct 1940 with an address in Queens, NY. Anticipating that he would soon be drafted, Gene took matters into his own hands and obtained an application for the Aviation Training in the U.S. Naval Reserve (V-5) program. He submitted required documentary data including: a birth certificate (in this case a baptismal record with date of birth included), educational records from high school and college, three letters of recommendation from persons of recognized standing in the community, a hand-written resume covering occupational and other experience, and a recent photograph of himself. In addition, he had to pass a physical and dental exam, and sit for an interview with the Naval Reserve Flight Selection Board (NRFSB)at Floyd Bennett Field. The board assessed various aspects of Greene’s character and educational qualifications to determine his potential as an officer and naval aviator. He received an overall numerical score that was compared to other applicants in his class to determine a final ranking among the group.
Elimination flight training (e-base) was the last hurdle Greene had to face before the Board made its final decision on whether to recommend him to the Bureau of Navigation (Later, Bureau of Naval Personnel) for acceptance as an aviation cadet. In order to complete the final phase of his application process, Gene had to enlist in the US Naval Reserve. If Greene was not selected or washed-out of the program, he would have to serve as an enlisted man in the Naval Reserve. He would be subject to call-up to active duty, but not subject to the draft. While processing Green’s application, the Navy made an administrative error in the spelling of his name. Due to a mix-up by the Navy, Eugene's middle name was changed from Eugene Michael Greene to his baptismal record name Eugene A(llen) Greene. The error was not caught in time to prevent his name from becoming Eugene Allen Greene in all navy paperwork.
Eugene A. Greene enlisted as a Seaman Second Class (S2c) in the US Navy Reserve Flight training program (V-5) on 13 Jan 1941 in Brooklyn, Kings, NY for four years. S2/c Greene (NSN:4038473) transferred from the HQ, Third Naval District to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Brooklyn, NY (NRAB Brooklyn, NY) on 15 Jan 1941 where he began the 30 day Elimination Flight training instruction (E-base). Near the end of his E-base instruction, Greene successfully completed a short solo flight; a requirement to complete E-base instruction. After he successfully completed E-base training on 13 Feb 1941, Greene was released from temporary active duty and sent home to await further orders.
Greene received orders by mail from the Secretary of the Navy in early March ordering him to report to the Commandant, Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola for duty under instruction as an aviation cadet. S2/c Greene transferred from NRAB, Brooklyn, NY on 10 March 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL (NAS, Jax) on 13 Mar 1941. S2c Greene was discharged from enlisted status on 19 Mar 1941 to take the oath of office and accept appointment as an Aviation Cadet on 20 Mar 1941 with a date of rank of 15 March 1941. Quarters at NAS Jax were used to provide extra living space the large influx of Naval Reserve Aviation Cadets needed until space in a class at NAS Pensacola was available. It is believed that Greene was assigned to the NAS Pensacola Aviation Cadet Regiment in class 4-C-41-PC. Greene and his class began on 10 April 1941 a two week course of indoctrination that included lectures on seamanship, leadership, fundamentals of the naval service, naval command and procedure.
On 25 April 1941, Green's class began taking instruction at the ground school and at Squadron 1. Greene completed his primary flight training about mid-July when he passed final checks in Squadron 2 and advanced to Squadron 3. Greene completed Squadron 3 and primary flight training at NAS Pensacola in Sept 1941 whereupon he was temporarily transferred to the NRAB at Opa-Laka, FL and NAS, Miami for about six to eight weeks of active duty under instruction with the Advanced Training Specialized Carrier Group (ATSCG). This training was designed for pilots who were assigned to fly carrier-based aircraft. In Nov., Greene received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective on 15 Oct 1941. Then he took the oath of office and accepted a commission as an Ensign, AV(N), USNR, on 21 Nov. 1941 with a date of rank of 30 Aug 1941.
After his commissioning, Ensign Greene detached from NAS Miami, and he was placed on active duty involving flying other than training. Ens. Greene was allowed a delay in reporting to his next command to count as leave. He reported in Dec 1941 for temporary duty to the Advanced Carrier Training Group (ACTG) at Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA for 6-8 weeks of training in fleet-type planes and carrier-landing qualification. The culmination of his ACTG training was to become "carrier qualified" by making three carrier landings in a Vought SB2U on board the USS Long Island (CVE-1) -- first of the escort "Jeep" carriers -- while she steamed in the waters around Chesapeake Bay. He finished that training, and in early February 1942, Ens. Greene was allowed a short leave to return to New York to marry Anita McSwiney on 10 Feb 1942 at the Incarnation Church, Bellaire, Queens, NY.
Upon his return to NAS Norfolk, and with little warning in late Feb 1942, Ensign Greene, along with thirty or so other ACTG graduate pilots, received orders to proceed via train to San Francisco and then to Hawaii on board the transport ship S.S. President Hoover for assignment. After a weeks steaming, the Hoover reached Honolulu about 01 Mar 1942 where the ACTG graduates traveled across the Island of Oahu to NAS, Kaneohe Bay where they received individual assignments to squadrons in need of new pilots. Many pilots of this group were assigned to Scouting Six including Ensign John Quincy Roberts* and some temporarily assigned to Lcdr Max Leslie’s bombing Three. Ens. Greene was assigned to duty with Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) embarked on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a squadron of Enterprise Air Group Six.
Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor from the Marcus Island raid on 10 Mar 1942 with her squadrons landing on Oahu ahead of her. Ensign Greene reported for duty with VB-6 on 11 March 1942. Also reporting with Ens. Greene from the ACTG were Ensigns Stephen Hogan, Don Ely, Harry Liffner, George Goldsmith, Bert Varian and Lewis Hopkins. For the next three weeks, VB-6 commanding officer, Lt Dick Best, trained his new pilots in bombing exercises against land targets and practice carrier landings ashore. Enterprise got underway on 01 Apr for several days of training and squadron carrier landing qualifications. Ensign Greene made his seven landings on Enterprise to become “carrier qualified.”
Enterprise and her air group returned to Pearl Harbor on 3 April. However, it wasn’t long before Air Group Six was placed on 2-hour sailing notice on 07 April. The “Big E” steamed out of Pearl Harbor on 08 April for a mission shrouded in secrecy. Normally, the mission was divulged to the crew on the first night at sea, however, Admiral Halsey kept this mission a secret. On the morning of 13 April, USS Hornet’s task force appeared on the horizon, her deck sporting many strange looking aircraft. Later that evening, Admiral Halsey dispelled all the rumors by announcing the task force was proceeding on a mission to bomb the Japanese mainland. From that day forward, Enterprise would provide combat air patrol (CAP) coverage as well as reconnaissance flights until Hornet launched Doolittle’s 16 B-25s on 18 April 1942.
On that day, Ens. Greene (6-B-19) and fellow VB-6 pilots, Ens. Art Rausch (6-B-17), and Ens. George H. Goldsmith (6-B-15) with their rear-seat gunners RM3 Samuel A. Muntean, ARM2 Gail W. Halterman, and ARM 3 James W. Patterson, Jr., respectively, were returning from search missions. They landed successfully only on the wrong flight deck. Somehow, they confused Hornet for Enterprise. Three VB-3 pilots also suffered the same fate of landing on the wrong carrier. They were Ltjg. Ozzie B. Wiseman (3-B-16), Ens. Alden "Oley" Hanson (3-B-5) and Ens. Milford A. Merrill (3-B-17). Their respective rear-seat gunners were ARM3 Grant U. Dawn, ARM3 Joseph V. Godfrey, and ARM3 Dallas J. Bergeron. They would remain on board Hornet with only the flight suits on their back until the carriers returned to Pearl Harbor on 25 April (source: USS Hornet muster reports for 18 April and 25 April 1942).
On 29 April 1942, Enterprise got underway to conduct training exercises northwest of Oahu. After several days of aviator carrier qualifications, Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. CV-6 was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. Enterprise got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with Hornet, steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Enterprises' air group (launched 0700) along with those from the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) launched their strike packages to intercept and attack the Japanese carrier fleet approaching the Midway Atoll. Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) with only 15 SBDs including Ens. Gene Greene and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Samuel Andrew Muntean, flying in 6-B-9 in VB-6’s Second Division, 18 SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) and the CEAG McClusky’s section of three SBDs launched, formed up, then circled the task force waiting for Fighting Six and Torpedo Six to launch. Twenty minutes passed with little visible activity for a VT-6 and VF-6 launching. Meanwhile the SBDs, carrying a heavy load of bombs, were using up valuable fuel. Finally, at 0745, Lcdr McClusky was instructed to "proceed on mission assigned." The unnecessary expenditure of fuel by all the Enterprise Air Group was to have deadly consequences later in this mission.
After nearly 3 1/2 hours in the air searching for the enemy, the CEAG finally spotted the Japanese carrier fleet with the unintended assistance of Japanese destroyer Arashi. The SBDs of VB-6 and VS-6 were near fuel exhaustion. Lcdr McClusky issued “vague” orders to Lt Best and Lt Gallaher on which carriers to attack. Apparently, Lt Best didn't receive the orders and Lt Gallaher misinterpreted the orders. As the attack on Kaga began at 1020 near disastrous confusion resulted between Lt Best leading VB-6 and Lt Gallaher leading VS-6 on which target, Kaga or Akagi, each squadron was to attack. Consequently, 27 of the 30 SBDs from both squadrons, including Ens. Greene, attacked Kaga. Kaga was hit multiple times and suffered the effects of many near misses. Only VB-6 Squadron commander, Lt Dick Best (S-B-1) and his two wingmen, Ltjg Edwin Kroeger (S-B-2) and Ens. Frederick T Weber (S-B-3) attacked Akagi beginning about 1025. Lt Best’s one direct hit with his 1,000 lb bomb doomed the Japanese navy’s largest carrier of her day. She was scuttled the next day.
Pulling out of his dive attack, Ens. Greene found the sky full of anti-aircraft fire and Zero fighters. Greene formed up with squadron mates Ens. Tom Ramsey (6-B-11) and Lew Hopkins (6-B-12). Everyone was very low on fuel. As the little group neared the task force, RM3 Muntean signaled the other radiomen that his plane was out of fuel and heading down to make an ocean landing. Ens. Hopkins followed Greene all the way down and saw their SBD make a splash landing. The crew of S-B-9 were seen to climb into their yellow rubber life raft. Next, Ens. Ramsey went into the water about 15 miles short of the Enterprise. He and his gunner, AMM2 Sherman Duncan, survived an week-long ordeal on the sea in their life raft before finally being rescued by a Midway PBY on 12 June. Ens. Hopkins was the last SBD from the morning strike to land on board Enterprise at 1210 with only a wisp of fuel remaining from the original 310 gallons. He had been in the air for over 5 hrs.
Ensign Gene A. Greene and gunner RM3 Muntean were never found. Their remains were unrecoverable. Ens. Greene was reported by Enterprise as missing in action on 4 June 1942. However, his widow and father received telegrams from the Navy Department on 18 June that initially said Greene was killed in action. It wasn’t until early July that they received another telegram that changed Greene’s status to missing in action. Greene’s status was updated on 5 June 1943 to presumed dead.
------------------------------------
Ens. Greene was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp and two bronze battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Destroyer Escort (DE) 549 was originally named in honor of Ens. Greene on 28 Oct. 1943, but construction was canceled on 10 Jun 1944. The Gearing-class destroyer, USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was later named in his honor.
-----------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Eugene Allen Greene, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve,
“For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as pilot of an airplane of a bombing squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway during the period of June 4-6,1942. Disregarding extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and heavy fighter opposition, he, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in the initial dive bombing assault of our forces against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Sources: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Navy Cross Citation quoted from Daily News (NY, NY) – 13 Nov 1942, Fri – p.310. (Newspapers.com online)
---------------------------------------------------------
USS Enterprise Presidential Unit citation (1942)
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls Islands raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Greene. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Eugene Allen Greene, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
------------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
------------------------------
The USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was a Gearing-Class destroyer named in honor of Ensign Eugene A. Greene. She was sponsored by Mrs. Anita M. Greene, widow of Ensign Greene. USS Greene was commissioned on 8 Jun 1945 and decommissioned on 31 Aug 1972 when she was sold to Spain. She was renamed Churruca (D61). She was stricken from Spanish records on 15 Sep 1989. She was sunk as a target on 12 Dec 1991.
Note: His widow, Anita, died in Mar 1985. Her burial location is unknown, but she may possibly be interred at the Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY where many of her family members lie at rest. She did not remarry. It is believed that the couple had no children.
-----------------------------
According to Prange et al in Miracle At Midway, p. 260, he states that while squadron leader McClusky was trailing the Japanese destroyer Arashi with his bombing group he lost one aircraft that of Ensign Eugene A Greene. It remains a mystery as to the reason for the dropout. Greene and his gunner were reported to have climbed into their lifeboat about forty miles from the US fleet, but no trace of them was ever found. [Of course, Prange was wrong. Greene went down AFTER the attack on Kaga not before. Also, McClusky was the Enterprise Air Group Commander not one of the squadron leaders.]
-------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – 14 Jun 1940, Fri – p. 6
11 From County Get R.I. State Degrees
Were Active in Many Undergraduate Groups – Were Represented in Most of Varsity, Intramural Sports, Honor Societies
Eleven Newport County students were members of this year’s graduating class at Rhode Island State College today. They took part in many activities in their undergraduate days. The county is represented in every club on the campus, in most of the Varsity and Intramural sports, and in honor societies. These are the county graduates and activities: . . . Eugene Michael Greene, 20 Catherine street, is graduating from the physical education department. He played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf, being golf captain in his senior year. He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the Grist. He has been active in campus committees and clubs. He is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
-------------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – Fri, Jul 3, 1942 – p. 1
Former State Athlete “Lost In Action”
Gene Greene Played Football, Baseball, Basketball, Was Sports Editor
The Navy Department has reported Ensign Eugene M. (Gene) Greene, U.S.N., former Rhode Island State College athlete and editor, as “lost in action.” His bride of four months, Mrs. Anita McSweiney Greene, of Bellaire, N.Y., received the notification. Graduated with the class of 1940, Ensign Greene is believed to be the first Rhode Island State College alumnus to lose his life in the war. He played football, baseball, basketball, was a member of the golf team was sports editor and later editor of the Beacon and editor of the Grist.
---------------------------------------
The Tablet (Brooklyn, NY) - 18 Jul 1942, Sat - p.9
Local Youth Missing
Eugene Allen Greene, 27, ensign in the Navy, who had been previously reported killed in action, is now described as missing in an official telegram to his wife and father. Mr. Greene's father, James J. Greene, lives at 217-14 104th Ave, Queens Village, and his wife, Mrs Anita McSwiney Greene, resides at 210-24 88th Rd., Bellaire. Mr Greene, who has two brothers, Thomas, 22, and William, 19, in the Army, is a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Brooklyn, and Rhode Island State College. He was married last Feb. 10, in the Incarnation Church, Bellaire. He has a sister, Mrs Marie Rough, and another brother, James, who lives in Jackson Heights.
-----------------------
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) – 19 March 1945, Mon. p. 3
Widow Sponsors Warship Named For Midway Flier
The Bellaire widow of Ensign Eugene Allen Greene, who flew to his death from the carrier Enterprise in the Battle of Midway, yesterday sent the 2,200-ton cruiser-destroyer named after him down the ways at christening ceremonies at Port Newark, N.J. The large destroyer, second of its type to be launched by the Port Newark yard of the Federal Ship-building and Dry Dock Co., was sponsored by Mrs. Anita McSwiney Greene of 210-24 88th Road. Ensign Greene, who served with Bombing Squadron 6 and received a Navy Cross, participated in the initial dive bombing assault against the Jap fleet approaching Midway. His citation for heroism read: “Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with utter disregard for his own personal safety.”
-----------------------------
"Two More Ships Named for Theta Chis"
Two Theta Chi Ensigns, both air pilots, one from the North, the other from the South, took off from the USS Enterprise in the historic Battle of Midway of June, 1942, the turning point of the naval conflict between the United States and Japan. They gave their lives to help win that bitter contest. In March two gallant fighting vessels were launched; they were christened the USS Eugene A. Greene and the USS John Q. Roberts* in honor of those two Theta Chis, who as athletes and undergraduate campus leaders had brought honor to their fraternity at Rhode Island State College and the University of Alabama, respectively. Their courageous exploits at Midway had been earlier recognized by the award of the Navy Cross to each. Curiously enough, they were the first athletes from their respective schools to lose their lives in World War II. . . . Ensign Green, ’40, prominent in athletics and extracurricular activities during his undergraduate career. . . . A former editor of the Beacon and the Grist, he was a member of the Rhode Island Club and of varsity football, basketball, and golf teams. Ensign Greene was born in Smithtown, Long Island, on November 21, 1914, and he was prepared for State College at St. Paul’s School, Garden City, N.Y.**
The Rattle of Theta Chi, George Starr Lasher, ed. Vol XXXIII, March- April – May, 1945 No. 3 p. 3 [google books online]
*A fellow Theta Chi fraternity brother and 1939 graduate of the University of Alabama, Ensign John Quincy Roberts, also served on the USS Enterprise in Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6). He also died during the Battle of Midway.
Note: **Ens Greene graduated from St. Francis Prep HS not St. Paul’s School.
-------------------------------
Other members of Bombing Six who died at the Battle of Midway:
1). Ensign Delbert Wayne Halsey
2). AOM3 Ernest Lenard Hilbert
3). RM3 Jay William Jenkins
4). S1C Lee Edward John Keaney
5). ARM1 Harry William Nelson, Jr.
6). LTJG Norman Francis Vandivier
7). LTJG John James Van Buren
8). ENS Bertram Stetson Varian, Jr
9). LTJG Frederick Thomas Weber
10). ARM3 Charles Robert Young
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[bio#253 composed by G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID:#93151
Eugene Michael Greene was one of 39 students from the academic department who received their academic diplomas from St. Francis Prep High School in Brooklyn, NY at commencement exercises on 10 June 1932 (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 11 June 1932). He neither graduated from St Francis in 1936 nor attended a St Paul HS as some researchers have said. There was a four year gap between his high school graduation and start of college in 1936. Speculation was that after his mother died in Dec 1932, he had to find work to help support the family and raise money for his own tuition for college. Eugene Michael Greene began classes in Sept 1936 at Rhode Island State College (RISC) (Later named University of Rhode Island) and graduated at commencement exercises on 14 Jun 1940 in Kingston, RI. with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in physical education.
During his collegiate career Gene, true to his interest in sports and athletics in general, played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf (Capt.senior year). He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the school yearbook, Grist. He was active in campus committees and clubs. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.* There was no evidence that I can find that Gene participated in the Army ROTC program for two years as claimed by URI Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC). There was, however, a John T. Greene who participated.
Eugene Michael Greene, b. 21 Nov 1914 in Smithtown, NY, registered for the WWII draft on 16 Oct 1940 with an address in Queens, NY. Anticipating that he would soon be drafted, Gene took matters into his own hands and obtained an application for the Aviation Training in the U.S. Naval Reserve (V-5) program. He submitted required documentary data including: a birth certificate (in this case a baptismal record with date of birth included), educational records from high school and college, three letters of recommendation from persons of recognized standing in the community, a hand-written resume covering occupational and other experience, and a recent photograph of himself. In addition, he had to pass a physical and dental exam, and sit for an interview with the Naval Reserve Flight Selection Board (NRFSB)at Floyd Bennett Field. The board assessed various aspects of Greene’s character and educational qualifications to determine his potential as an officer and naval aviator. He received an overall numerical score that was compared to other applicants in his class to determine a final ranking among the group.
Elimination flight training (e-base) was the last hurdle Greene had to face before the Board made its final decision on whether to recommend him to the Bureau of Navigation (Later, Bureau of Naval Personnel) for acceptance as an aviation cadet. In order to complete the final phase of his application process, Gene had to enlist in the US Naval Reserve. If Greene was not selected or washed-out of the program, he would have to serve as an enlisted man in the Naval Reserve. He would be subject to call-up to active duty, but not subject to the draft. While processing Green’s application, the Navy made an administrative error in the spelling of his name. Due to a mix-up by the Navy, Eugene's middle name was changed from Eugene Michael Greene to his baptismal record name Eugene A(llen) Greene. The error was not caught in time to prevent his name from becoming Eugene Allen Greene in all navy paperwork.
Eugene A. Greene enlisted as a Seaman Second Class (S2c) in the US Navy Reserve Flight training program (V-5) on 13 Jan 1941 in Brooklyn, Kings, NY for four years. S2/c Greene (NSN:4038473) transferred from the HQ, Third Naval District to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Brooklyn, NY (NRAB Brooklyn, NY) on 15 Jan 1941 where he began the 30 day Elimination Flight training instruction (E-base). Near the end of his E-base instruction, Greene successfully completed a short solo flight; a requirement to complete E-base instruction. After he successfully completed E-base training on 13 Feb 1941, Greene was released from temporary active duty and sent home to await further orders.
Greene received orders by mail from the Secretary of the Navy in early March ordering him to report to the Commandant, Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola for duty under instruction as an aviation cadet. S2/c Greene transferred from NRAB, Brooklyn, NY on 10 March 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL (NAS, Jax) on 13 Mar 1941. S2c Greene was discharged from enlisted status on 19 Mar 1941 to take the oath of office and accept appointment as an Aviation Cadet on 20 Mar 1941 with a date of rank of 15 March 1941. Quarters at NAS Jax were used to provide extra living space the large influx of Naval Reserve Aviation Cadets needed until space in a class at NAS Pensacola was available. It is believed that Greene was assigned to the NAS Pensacola Aviation Cadet Regiment in class 4-C-41-PC. Greene and his class began on 10 April 1941 a two week course of indoctrination that included lectures on seamanship, leadership, fundamentals of the naval service, naval command and procedure.
On 25 April 1941, Green's class began taking instruction at the ground school and at Squadron 1. Greene completed his primary flight training about mid-July when he passed final checks in Squadron 2 and advanced to Squadron 3. Greene completed Squadron 3 and primary flight training at NAS Pensacola in Sept 1941 whereupon he was temporarily transferred to the NRAB at Opa-Laka, FL and NAS, Miami for about six to eight weeks of active duty under instruction with the Advanced Training Specialized Carrier Group (ATSCG). This training was designed for pilots who were assigned to fly carrier-based aircraft. In Nov., Greene received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective on 15 Oct 1941. Then he took the oath of office and accepted a commission as an Ensign, AV(N), USNR, on 21 Nov. 1941 with a date of rank of 30 Aug 1941.
After his commissioning, Ensign Greene detached from NAS Miami, and he was placed on active duty involving flying other than training. Ens. Greene was allowed a delay in reporting to his next command to count as leave. He reported in Dec 1941 for temporary duty to the Advanced Carrier Training Group (ACTG) at Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA for 6-8 weeks of training in fleet-type planes and carrier-landing qualification. The culmination of his ACTG training was to become "carrier qualified" by making three carrier landings in a Vought SB2U on board the USS Long Island (CVE-1) -- first of the escort "Jeep" carriers -- while she steamed in the waters around Chesapeake Bay. He finished that training, and in early February 1942, Ens. Greene was allowed a short leave to return to New York to marry Anita McSwiney on 10 Feb 1942 at the Incarnation Church, Bellaire, Queens, NY.
Upon his return to NAS Norfolk, and with little warning in late Feb 1942, Ensign Greene, along with thirty or so other ACTG graduate pilots, received orders to proceed via train to San Francisco and then to Hawaii on board the transport ship S.S. President Hoover for assignment. After a weeks steaming, the Hoover reached Honolulu about 01 Mar 1942 where the ACTG graduates traveled across the Island of Oahu to NAS, Kaneohe Bay where they received individual assignments to squadrons in need of new pilots. Many pilots of this group were assigned to Scouting Six including Ensign John Quincy Roberts* and some temporarily assigned to Lcdr Max Leslie’s bombing Three. Ens. Greene was assigned to duty with Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) embarked on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a squadron of Enterprise Air Group Six.
Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor from the Marcus Island raid on 10 Mar 1942 with her squadrons landing on Oahu ahead of her. Ensign Greene reported for duty with VB-6 on 11 March 1942. Also reporting with Ens. Greene from the ACTG were Ensigns Stephen Hogan, Don Ely, Harry Liffner, George Goldsmith, Bert Varian and Lewis Hopkins. For the next three weeks, VB-6 commanding officer, Lt Dick Best, trained his new pilots in bombing exercises against land targets and practice carrier landings ashore. Enterprise got underway on 01 Apr for several days of training and squadron carrier landing qualifications. Ensign Greene made his seven landings on Enterprise to become “carrier qualified.”
Enterprise and her air group returned to Pearl Harbor on 3 April. However, it wasn’t long before Air Group Six was placed on 2-hour sailing notice on 07 April. The “Big E” steamed out of Pearl Harbor on 08 April for a mission shrouded in secrecy. Normally, the mission was divulged to the crew on the first night at sea, however, Admiral Halsey kept this mission a secret. On the morning of 13 April, USS Hornet’s task force appeared on the horizon, her deck sporting many strange looking aircraft. Later that evening, Admiral Halsey dispelled all the rumors by announcing the task force was proceeding on a mission to bomb the Japanese mainland. From that day forward, Enterprise would provide combat air patrol (CAP) coverage as well as reconnaissance flights until Hornet launched Doolittle’s 16 B-25s on 18 April 1942.
On that day, Ens. Greene (6-B-19) and fellow VB-6 pilots, Ens. Art Rausch (6-B-17), and Ens. George H. Goldsmith (6-B-15) with their rear-seat gunners RM3 Samuel A. Muntean, ARM2 Gail W. Halterman, and ARM 3 James W. Patterson, Jr., respectively, were returning from search missions. They landed successfully only on the wrong flight deck. Somehow, they confused Hornet for Enterprise. Three VB-3 pilots also suffered the same fate of landing on the wrong carrier. They were Ltjg. Ozzie B. Wiseman (3-B-16), Ens. Alden "Oley" Hanson (3-B-5) and Ens. Milford A. Merrill (3-B-17). Their respective rear-seat gunners were ARM3 Grant U. Dawn, ARM3 Joseph V. Godfrey, and ARM3 Dallas J. Bergeron. They would remain on board Hornet with only the flight suits on their back until the carriers returned to Pearl Harbor on 25 April (source: USS Hornet muster reports for 18 April and 25 April 1942).
On 29 April 1942, Enterprise got underway to conduct training exercises northwest of Oahu. After several days of aviator carrier qualifications, Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. CV-6 was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. Enterprise got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with Hornet, steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Enterprises' air group (launched 0700) along with those from the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) launched their strike packages to intercept and attack the Japanese carrier fleet approaching the Midway Atoll. Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) with only 15 SBDs including Ens. Gene Greene and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Samuel Andrew Muntean, flying in 6-B-9 in VB-6’s Second Division, 18 SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) and the CEAG McClusky’s section of three SBDs launched, formed up, then circled the task force waiting for Fighting Six and Torpedo Six to launch. Twenty minutes passed with little visible activity for a VT-6 and VF-6 launching. Meanwhile the SBDs, carrying a heavy load of bombs, were using up valuable fuel. Finally, at 0745, Lcdr McClusky was instructed to "proceed on mission assigned." The unnecessary expenditure of fuel by all the Enterprise Air Group was to have deadly consequences later in this mission.
After nearly 3 1/2 hours in the air searching for the enemy, the CEAG finally spotted the Japanese carrier fleet with the unintended assistance of Japanese destroyer Arashi. The SBDs of VB-6 and VS-6 were near fuel exhaustion. Lcdr McClusky issued “vague” orders to Lt Best and Lt Gallaher on which carriers to attack. Apparently, Lt Best didn't receive the orders and Lt Gallaher misinterpreted the orders. As the attack on Kaga began at 1020 near disastrous confusion resulted between Lt Best leading VB-6 and Lt Gallaher leading VS-6 on which target, Kaga or Akagi, each squadron was to attack. Consequently, 27 of the 30 SBDs from both squadrons, including Ens. Greene, attacked Kaga. Kaga was hit multiple times and suffered the effects of many near misses. Only VB-6 Squadron commander, Lt Dick Best (S-B-1) and his two wingmen, Ltjg Edwin Kroeger (S-B-2) and Ens. Frederick T Weber (S-B-3) attacked Akagi beginning about 1025. Lt Best’s one direct hit with his 1,000 lb bomb doomed the Japanese navy’s largest carrier of her day. She was scuttled the next day.
Pulling out of his dive attack, Ens. Greene found the sky full of anti-aircraft fire and Zero fighters. Greene formed up with squadron mates Ens. Tom Ramsey (6-B-11) and Lew Hopkins (6-B-12). Everyone was very low on fuel. As the little group neared the task force, RM3 Muntean signaled the other radiomen that his plane was out of fuel and heading down to make an ocean landing. Ens. Hopkins followed Greene all the way down and saw their SBD make a splash landing. The crew of S-B-9 were seen to climb into their yellow rubber life raft. Next, Ens. Ramsey went into the water about 15 miles short of the Enterprise. He and his gunner, AMM2 Sherman Duncan, survived an week-long ordeal on the sea in their life raft before finally being rescued by a Midway PBY on 12 June. Ens. Hopkins was the last SBD from the morning strike to land on board Enterprise at 1210 with only a wisp of fuel remaining from the original 310 gallons. He had been in the air for over 5 hrs.
Ensign Gene A. Greene and gunner RM3 Muntean were never found. Their remains were unrecoverable. Ens. Greene was reported by Enterprise as missing in action on 4 June 1942. However, his widow and father received telegrams from the Navy Department on 18 June that initially said Greene was killed in action. It wasn’t until early July that they received another telegram that changed Greene’s status to missing in action. Greene’s status was updated on 5 June 1943 to presumed dead.
------------------------------------
Ens. Greene was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp and two bronze battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Destroyer Escort (DE) 549 was originally named in honor of Ens. Greene on 28 Oct. 1943, but construction was canceled on 10 Jun 1944. The Gearing-class destroyer, USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was later named in his honor.
-----------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Eugene Allen Greene, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve,
“For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as pilot of an airplane of a bombing squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway during the period of June 4-6,1942. Disregarding extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and heavy fighter opposition, he, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in the initial dive bombing assault of our forces against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Sources: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Navy Cross Citation quoted from Daily News (NY, NY) – 13 Nov 1942, Fri – p.310. (Newspapers.com online)
---------------------------------------------------------
USS Enterprise Presidential Unit citation (1942)
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls Islands raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Greene. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Eugene Allen Greene, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
------------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
------------------------------
The USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was a Gearing-Class destroyer named in honor of Ensign Eugene A. Greene. She was sponsored by Mrs. Anita M. Greene, widow of Ensign Greene. USS Greene was commissioned on 8 Jun 1945 and decommissioned on 31 Aug 1972 when she was sold to Spain. She was renamed Churruca (D61). She was stricken from Spanish records on 15 Sep 1989. She was sunk as a target on 12 Dec 1991.
Note: His widow, Anita, died in Mar 1985. Her burial location is unknown, but she may possibly be interred at the Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY where many of her family members lie at rest. She did not remarry. It is believed that the couple had no children.
-----------------------------
According to Prange et al in Miracle At Midway, p. 260, he states that while squadron leader McClusky was trailing the Japanese destroyer Arashi with his bombing group he lost one aircraft that of Ensign Eugene A Greene. It remains a mystery as to the reason for the dropout. Greene and his gunner were reported to have climbed into their lifeboat about forty miles from the US fleet, but no trace of them was ever found. [Of course, Prange was wrong. Greene went down AFTER the attack on Kaga not before. Also, McClusky was the Enterprise Air Group Commander not one of the squadron leaders.]
-------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – 14 Jun 1940, Fri – p. 6
11 From County Get R.I. State Degrees
Were Active in Many Undergraduate Groups – Were Represented in Most of Varsity, Intramural Sports, Honor Societies
Eleven Newport County students were members of this year’s graduating class at Rhode Island State College today. They took part in many activities in their undergraduate days. The county is represented in every club on the campus, in most of the Varsity and Intramural sports, and in honor societies. These are the county graduates and activities: . . . Eugene Michael Greene, 20 Catherine street, is graduating from the physical education department. He played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf, being golf captain in his senior year. He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the Grist. He has been active in campus committees and clubs. He is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
-------------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – Fri, Jul 3, 1942 – p. 1
Former State Athlete “Lost In Action”
Gene Greene Played Football, Baseball, Basketball, Was Sports Editor
The Navy Department has reported Ensign Eugene M. (Gene) Greene, U.S.N., former Rhode Island State College athlete and editor, as “lost in action.” His bride of four months, Mrs. Anita McSweiney Greene, of Bellaire, N.Y., received the notification. Graduated with the class of 1940, Ensign Greene is believed to be the first Rhode Island State College alumnus to lose his life in the war. He played football, baseball, basketball, was a member of the golf team was sports editor and later editor of the Beacon and editor of the Grist.
---------------------------------------
The Tablet (Brooklyn, NY) - 18 Jul 1942, Sat - p.9
Local Youth Missing
Eugene Allen Greene, 27, ensign in the Navy, who had been previously reported killed in action, is now described as missing in an official telegram to his wife and father. Mr. Greene's father, James J. Greene, lives at 217-14 104th Ave, Queens Village, and his wife, Mrs Anita McSwiney Greene, resides at 210-24 88th Rd., Bellaire. Mr Greene, who has two brothers, Thomas, 22, and William, 19, in the Army, is a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Brooklyn, and Rhode Island State College. He was married last Feb. 10, in the Incarnation Church, Bellaire. He has a sister, Mrs Marie Rough, and another brother, James, who lives in Jackson Heights.
-----------------------
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) – 19 March 1945, Mon. p. 3
Widow Sponsors Warship Named For Midway Flier
The Bellaire widow of Ensign Eugene Allen Greene, who flew to his death from the carrier Enterprise in the Battle of Midway, yesterday sent the 2,200-ton cruiser-destroyer named after him down the ways at christening ceremonies at Port Newark, N.J. The large destroyer, second of its type to be launched by the Port Newark yard of the Federal Ship-building and Dry Dock Co., was sponsored by Mrs. Anita McSwiney Greene of 210-24 88th Road. Ensign Greene, who served with Bombing Squadron 6 and received a Navy Cross, participated in the initial dive bombing assault against the Jap fleet approaching Midway. His citation for heroism read: “Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with utter disregard for his own personal safety.”
-----------------------------
"Two More Ships Named for Theta Chis"
Two Theta Chi Ensigns, both air pilots, one from the North, the other from the South, took off from the USS Enterprise in the historic Battle of Midway of June, 1942, the turning point of the naval conflict between the United States and Japan. They gave their lives to help win that bitter contest. In March two gallant fighting vessels were launched; they were christened the USS Eugene A. Greene and the USS John Q. Roberts* in honor of those two Theta Chis, who as athletes and undergraduate campus leaders had brought honor to their fraternity at Rhode Island State College and the University of Alabama, respectively. Their courageous exploits at Midway had been earlier recognized by the award of the Navy Cross to each. Curiously enough, they were the first athletes from their respective schools to lose their lives in World War II. . . . Ensign Green, ’40, prominent in athletics and extracurricular activities during his undergraduate career. . . . A former editor of the Beacon and the Grist, he was a member of the Rhode Island Club and of varsity football, basketball, and golf teams. Ensign Greene was born in Smithtown, Long Island, on November 21, 1914, and he was prepared for State College at St. Paul’s School, Garden City, N.Y.**
The Rattle of Theta Chi, George Starr Lasher, ed. Vol XXXIII, March- April – May, 1945 No. 3 p. 3 [google books online]
*A fellow Theta Chi fraternity brother and 1939 graduate of the University of Alabama, Ensign John Quincy Roberts, also served on the USS Enterprise in Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6). He also died during the Battle of Midway.
Note: **Ens Greene graduated from St. Francis Prep HS not St. Paul’s School.
-------------------------------
Other members of Bombing Six who died at the Battle of Midway:
1). Ensign Delbert Wayne Halsey
2). AOM3 Ernest Lenard Hilbert
3). RM3 Jay William Jenkins
4). S1C Lee Edward John Keaney
5). ARM1 Harry William Nelson, Jr.
6). LTJG Norman Francis Vandivier
7). LTJG John James Van Buren
8). ENS Bertram Stetson Varian, Jr
9). LTJG Frederick Thomas Weber
10). ARM3 Charles Robert Young
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[bio#253 composed by G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID:#93151
Eugene or Gene, as he was also known, was one of seven sons and one daughter born to James Patrick and Mary A. Greene who married about 1906 in New York. His siblings were James Joseph, Marie C., John Aloysius, Thomas Hastings "Hasty," Roger Charles, William R., and Francis Xavier Greene. Six of the children were born in Nassau County, New York and two, Eugene and Thomas, were born in Smithtown, Suffolk, NY. Mrs Mary A. Greene died suddenly shortly before Christmas, 1932, leaving eight children between the ages of 7-24, and her husband to provide from them.
Eugene Michael Greene was one of 39 students from the academic department who received their academic diplomas from St. Francis Prep High School in Brooklyn, NY at commencement exercises on 10 June 1932 (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 11 June 1932). He neither graduated from St Francis in 1936 nor attended a St Paul HS as some researchers have said. There was a four year gap between his high school graduation and start of college in 1936. Speculation was that after his mother died in Dec 1932, he had to find work to help support the family and raise money for his own tuition for college. Eugene Michael Greene began classes in Sept 1936 at Rhode Island State College (RISC) (Later named University of Rhode Island) and graduated at commencement exercises on 14 Jun 1940 in Kingston, RI. with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in physical education.
During his collegiate career Gene, true to his interest in sports and athletics in general, played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf (Capt.senior year). He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the school yearbook, Grist. He was active in campus committees and clubs. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.* There was no evidence that I can find that Gene participated in the Army ROTC program for two years as claimed by URI Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC). There was, however, a John T. Greene who participated.
Eugene Michael Greene, b. 21 Nov 1914 in Smithtown, NY, registered for the WWII draft on 16 Oct 1940 with an address in Queens, NY. Anticipating that he would soon be drafted, Gene took matters into his own hands and obtained an application for the Aviation Training in the U.S. Naval Reserve (V-5) program. He submitted required documentary data including: a birth certificate (in this case a baptismal record with date of birth included), educational records from high school and college, three letters of recommendation from persons of recognized standing in the community, a hand-written resume covering occupational and other experience, and a recent photograph of himself. In addition, he had to pass a physical and dental exam, and sit for an interview with the Naval Reserve Flight Selection Board (NRFSB)at Floyd Bennett Field. The board assessed various aspects of Greene’s character and educational qualifications to determine his potential as an officer and naval aviator. He received an overall numerical score that was compared to other applicants in his class to determine a final ranking among the group.
Elimination flight training (e-base) was the last hurdle Greene had to face before the Board made its final decision on whether to recommend him to the Bureau of Navigation (Later, Bureau of Naval Personnel) for acceptance as an aviation cadet. In order to complete the final phase of his application process, Gene had to enlist in the US Naval Reserve. If Greene was not selected or washed-out of the program, he would have to serve as an enlisted man in the Naval Reserve. He would be subject to call-up to active duty, but not subject to the draft. While processing Green’s application, the Navy made an administrative error in the spelling of his name. Due to a mix-up by the Navy, Eugene's middle name was changed from Eugene Michael Greene to his baptismal record name Eugene A(llen) Greene. The error was not caught in time to prevent his name from becoming Eugene Allen Greene in all navy paperwork.
Eugene A. Greene enlisted as a Seaman Second Class (S2c) in the US Navy Reserve Flight training program (V-5) on 13 Jan 1941 in Brooklyn, Kings, NY for four years. S2/c Greene (NSN:4038473) transferred from the HQ, Third Naval District to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Brooklyn, NY (NRAB Brooklyn, NY) on 15 Jan 1941 where he began the 30 day Elimination Flight training instruction (E-base). Near the end of his E-base instruction, Greene successfully completed a short solo flight; a requirement to complete E-base instruction. After he successfully completed E-base training on 13 Feb 1941, Greene was released from temporary active duty and sent home to await further orders.
Greene received orders by mail from the Secretary of the Navy in early March ordering him to report to the Commandant, Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola for duty under instruction as an aviation cadet. S2/c Greene transferred from NRAB, Brooklyn, NY on 10 March 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL (NAS, Jax) on 13 Mar 1941. S2c Greene was discharged from enlisted status on 19 Mar 1941 to take the oath of office and accept appointment as an Aviation Cadet on 20 Mar 1941 with a date of rank of 15 March 1941. Quarters at NAS Jax were used to provide extra living space the large influx of Naval Reserve Aviation Cadets needed until space in a class at NAS Pensacola was available. It is believed that Greene was assigned to the NAS Pensacola Aviation Cadet Regiment in class 4-C-41-PC. Greene and his class began on 10 April 1941 a two week course of indoctrination that included lectures on seamanship, leadership, fundamentals of the naval service, naval command and procedure.
On 25 April 1941, Green's class began taking instruction at the ground school and at Squadron 1. Greene completed his primary flight training about mid-July when he passed final checks in Squadron 2 and advanced to Squadron 3. Greene completed Squadron 3 and primary flight training at NAS Pensacola in Sept 1941 whereupon he was temporarily transferred to the NRAB at Opa-Laka, FL and NAS, Miami for about six to eight weeks of active duty under instruction with the Advanced Training Specialized Carrier Group (ATSCG). This training was designed for pilots who were assigned to fly carrier-based aircraft. In Nov., Greene received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective on 15 Oct 1941. Then he took the oath of office and accepted a commission as an Ensign, AV(N), USNR, on 21 Nov. 1941 with a date of rank of 30 Aug 1941.
After his commissioning, Ensign Greene detached from NAS Miami, and he was placed on active duty involving flying other than training. Ens. Greene was allowed a delay in reporting to his next command to count as leave. He reported in Dec 1941 for temporary duty to the Advanced Carrier Training Group (ACTG) at Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA for 6-8 weeks of training in fleet-type planes and carrier-landing qualification. The culmination of his ACTG training was to become "carrier qualified" by making three carrier landings in a Vought SB2U on board the USS Long Island (CVE-1) -- first of the escort "Jeep" carriers -- while she steamed in the waters around Chesapeake Bay. He finished that training, and in early February 1942, Ens. Greene was allowed a short leave to return to New York to marry Anita McSwiney on 10 Feb 1942 at the Incarnation Church, Bellaire, Queens, NY.
Upon his return to NAS Norfolk, and with little warning in late Feb 1942, Ensign Greene, along with thirty or so other ACTG graduate pilots, received orders to proceed via train to San Francisco and then to Hawaii on board the transport ship S.S. President Hoover for assignment. After a weeks steaming, the Hoover reached Honolulu about 01 Mar 1942 where the ACTG graduates traveled across the Island of Oahu to NAS, Kaneohe Bay where they received individual assignments to squadrons in need of new pilots. Many pilots of this group were assigned to Scouting Six including Ensign John Quincy Roberts* and some temporarily assigned to Lcdr Max Leslie’s bombing Three. Ens. Greene was assigned to duty with Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) embarked on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a squadron of Enterprise Air Group Six.
Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor from the Marcus Island raid on 10 Mar 1942 with her squadrons landing on Oahu ahead of her. Ensign Greene reported for duty with VB-6 on 11 March 1942. Also reporting with Ens. Greene from the ACTG were Ensigns Stephen Hogan, Don Ely, Harry Liffner, George Goldsmith, Bert Varian and Lewis Hopkins. For the next three weeks, VB-6 commanding officer, Lt Dick Best, trained his new pilots in bombing exercises against land targets and practice carrier landings ashore. Enterprise got underway on 01 Apr for several days of training and squadron carrier landing qualifications. Ensign Greene made his seven landings on Enterprise to become “carrier qualified.”
Enterprise and her air group returned to Pearl Harbor on 3 April. However, it wasn’t long before Air Group Six was placed on 2-hour sailing notice on 07 April. The “Big E” steamed out of Pearl Harbor on 08 April for a mission shrouded in secrecy. Normally, the mission was divulged to the crew on the first night at sea, however, Admiral Halsey kept this mission a secret. On the morning of 13 April, USS Hornet’s task force appeared on the horizon, her deck sporting many strange looking aircraft. Later that evening, Admiral Halsey dispelled all the rumors by announcing the task force was proceeding on a mission to bomb the Japanese mainland. From that day forward, Enterprise would provide combat air patrol (CAP) coverage as well as reconnaissance flights until Hornet launched Doolittle’s 16 B-25s on 18 April 1942.
On that day, Ens. Greene (6-B-19) and fellow VB-6 pilots, Ens. Art Rausch (6-B-17), and Ens. George H. Goldsmith (6-B-15) with their rear-seat gunners RM3 Samuel A. Muntean, ARM2 Gail W. Halterman, and ARM 3 James W. Patterson, Jr., respectively, were returning from search missions. They landed successfully only on the wrong flight deck. Somehow, they confused Hornet for Enterprise. Three VB-3 pilots also suffered the same fate of landing on the wrong carrier. They were Ltjg. Ozzie B. Wiseman (3-B-16), Ens. Alden "Oley" Hanson (3-B-5) and Ens. Milford A. Merrill (3-B-17). Their respective rear-seat gunners were ARM3 Grant U. Dawn, ARM3 Joseph V. Godfrey, and ARM3 Dallas J. Bergeron. They would remain on board Hornet with only the flight suits on their back until the carriers returned to Pearl Harbor on 25 April (source: USS Hornet muster reports for 18 April and 25 April 1942).
On 29 April 1942, Enterprise got underway to conduct training exercises northwest of Oahu. After several days of aviator carrier qualifications, Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. CV-6 was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. Enterprise got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with Hornet, steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Enterprises' air group (launched 0700) along with those from the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) launched their strike packages to intercept and attack the Japanese carrier fleet approaching the Midway Atoll. Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) with only 15 SBDs including Ens. Gene Greene and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Samuel Andrew Muntean, flying in 6-B-9 in VB-6’s Second Division, 18 SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) and the CEAG McClusky’s section of three SBDs launched, formed up, then circled the task force waiting for Fighting Six and Torpedo Six to launch. Twenty minutes passed with little visible activity for a VT-6 and VF-6 launching. Meanwhile the SBDs, carrying a heavy load of bombs, were using up valuable fuel. Finally, at 0745, Lcdr McClusky was instructed to "proceed on mission assigned." The unnecessary expenditure of fuel by all the Enterprise Air Group was to have deadly consequences later in this mission.
After nearly 3 1/2 hours in the air searching for the enemy, the CEAG finally spotted the Japanese carrier fleet with the unintended assistance of Japanese destroyer Arashi. The SBDs of VB-6 and VS-6 were near fuel exhaustion. Lcdr McClusky issued “vague” orders to Lt Best and Lt Gallaher on which carriers to attack. Apparently, Lt Best didn't receive the orders and Lt Gallaher misinterpreted the orders. As the attack on Kaga began at 1020 near disastrous confusion resulted between Lt Best leading VB-6 and Lt Gallaher leading VS-6 on which target, Kaga or Akagi, each squadron was to attack. Consequently, 27 of the 30 SBDs from both squadrons, including Ens. Greene, attacked Kaga. Kaga was hit multiple times and suffered the effects of many near misses. Only VB-6 Squadron commander, Lt Dick Best (S-B-1) and his two wingmen, Ltjg Edwin Kroeger (S-B-2) and Ens. Frederick T Weber (S-B-3) attacked Akagi beginning about 1025. Lt Best’s one direct hit with his 1,000 lb bomb doomed the Japanese navy’s largest carrier of her day. She was scuttled the next day.
Pulling out of his dive attack, Ens. Greene found the sky full of anti-aircraft fire and Zero fighters. Greene formed up with squadron mates Ens. Tom Ramsey (6-B-11) and Lew Hopkins (6-B-12). Everyone was very low on fuel. As the little group neared the task force, RM3 Muntean signaled the other radiomen that his plane was out of fuel and heading down to make an ocean landing. Ens. Hopkins followed Greene all the way down and saw their SBD make a splash landing. The crew of S-B-9 were seen to climb into their yellow rubber life raft. Next, Ens. Ramsey went into the water about 15 miles short of the Enterprise. He and his gunner, AMM2 Sherman Duncan, survived an week-long ordeal on the sea in their life raft before finally being rescued by a Midway PBY on 12 June. Ens. Hopkins was the last SBD from the morning strike to land on board Enterprise at 1210 with only a wisp of fuel remaining from the original 310 gallons. He had been in the air for over 5 hrs.
Ensign Gene A. Greene and gunner RM3 Muntean were never found. Their remains were unrecoverable. Ens. Greene was reported by Enterprise as missing in action on 4 June 1942. However, his widow and father received telegrams from the Navy Department on 18 June that initially said Greene was killed in action. It wasn’t until early July that they received another telegram that changed Greene’s status to missing in action. Greene’s status was updated on 5 June 1943 to presumed dead.
------------------------------------
Ens. Greene was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp and two bronze battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Destroyer Escort (DE) 549 was originally named in honor of Ens. Greene on 28 Oct. 1943, but construction was canceled on 10 Jun 1944. The Gearing-class destroyer, USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was later named in his honor.
-----------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Eugene Allen Greene, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve,
“For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as pilot of an airplane of a bombing squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway during the period of June 4-6,1942. Disregarding extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and heavy fighter opposition, he, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in the initial dive bombing assault of our forces against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Sources: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Navy Cross Citation quoted from Daily News (NY, NY) – 13 Nov 1942, Fri – p.310. (Newspapers.com online)
---------------------------------------------------------
USS Enterprise Presidential Unit citation (1942)
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls Islands raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Greene. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Eugene Allen Greene, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
------------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
------------------------------
The USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was a Gearing-Class destroyer named in honor of Ensign Eugene A. Greene. She was sponsored by Mrs. Anita M. Greene, widow of Ensign Greene. USS Greene was commissioned on 8 Jun 1945 and decommissioned on 31 Aug 1972 when she was sold to Spain. She was renamed Churruca (D61). She was stricken from Spanish records on 15 Sep 1989. She was sunk as a target on 12 Dec 1991.
Note: His widow, Anita, died in Mar 1985. Her burial location is unknown, but she may possibly be interred at the Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY where many of her family members lie at rest. She did not remarry. It is believed that the couple had no children.
-----------------------------
According to Prange et al in Miracle At Midway, p. 260, he states that while squadron leader McClusky was trailing the Japanese destroyer Arashi with his bombing group he lost one aircraft that of Ensign Eugene A Greene. It remains a mystery as to the reason for the dropout. Greene and his gunner were reported to have climbed into their lifeboat about forty miles from the US fleet, but no trace of them was ever found. [Of course, Prange was wrong. Greene went down AFTER the attack on Kaga not before. Also, McClusky was the Enterprise Air Group Commander not one of the squadron leaders.]
-------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – 14 Jun 1940, Fri – p. 6
11 From County Get R.I. State Degrees
Were Active in Many Undergraduate Groups – Were Represented in Most of Varsity, Intramural Sports, Honor Societies
Eleven Newport County students were members of this year’s graduating class at Rhode Island State College today. They took part in many activities in their undergraduate days. The county is represented in every club on the campus, in most of the Varsity and Intramural sports, and in honor societies. These are the county graduates and activities: . . . Eugene Michael Greene, 20 Catherine street, is graduating from the physical education department. He played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf, being golf captain in his senior year. He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the Grist. He has been active in campus committees and clubs. He is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
-------------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – Fri, Jul 3, 1942 – p. 1
Former State Athlete “Lost In Action”
Gene Greene Played Football, Baseball, Basketball, Was Sports Editor
The Navy Department has reported Ensign Eugene M. (Gene) Greene, U.S.N., former Rhode Island State College athlete and editor, as “lost in action.” His bride of four months, Mrs. Anita McSweiney Greene, of Bellaire, N.Y., received the notification. Graduated with the class of 1940, Ensign Greene is believed to be the first Rhode Island State College alumnus to lose his life in the war. He played football, baseball, basketball, was a member of the golf team was sports editor and later editor of the Beacon and editor of the Grist.
---------------------------------------
The Tablet (Brooklyn, NY) - 18 Jul 1942, Sat - p.9
Local Youth Missing
Eugene Allen Greene, 27, ensign in the Navy, who had been previously reported killed in action, is now described as missing in an official telegram to his wife and father. Mr. Greene's father, James J. Greene, lives at 217-14 104th Ave, Queens Village, and his wife, Mrs Anita McSwiney Greene, resides at 210-24 88th Rd., Bellaire. Mr Greene, who has two brothers, Thomas, 22, and William, 19, in the Army, is a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Brooklyn, and Rhode Island State College. He was married last Feb. 10, in the Incarnation Church, Bellaire. He has a sister, Mrs Marie Rough, and another brother, James, who lives in Jackson Heights.
-----------------------
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) – 19 March 1945, Mon. p. 3
Widow Sponsors Warship Named For Midway Flier
The Bellaire widow of Ensign Eugene Allen Greene, who flew to his death from the carrier Enterprise in the Battle of Midway, yesterday sent the 2,200-ton cruiser-destroyer named after him down the ways at christening ceremonies at Port Newark, N.J. The large destroyer, second of its type to be launched by the Port Newark yard of the Federal Ship-building and Dry Dock Co., was sponsored by Mrs. Anita McSwiney Greene of 210-24 88th Road. Ensign Greene, who served with Bombing Squadron 6 and received a Navy Cross, participated in the initial dive bombing assault against the Jap fleet approaching Midway. His citation for heroism read: “Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with utter disregard for his own personal safety.”
-----------------------------
"Two More Ships Named for Theta Chis"
Two Theta Chi Ensigns, both air pilots, one from the North, the other from the South, took off from the USS Enterprise in the historic Battle of Midway of June, 1942, the turning point of the naval conflict between the United States and Japan. They gave their lives to help win that bitter contest. In March two gallant fighting vessels were launched; they were christened the USS Eugene A. Greene and the USS John Q. Roberts* in honor of those two Theta Chis, who as athletes and undergraduate campus leaders had brought honor to their fraternity at Rhode Island State College and the University of Alabama, respectively. Their courageous exploits at Midway had been earlier recognized by the award of the Navy Cross to each. Curiously enough, they were the first athletes from their respective schools to lose their lives in World War II. . . . Ensign Green, ’40, prominent in athletics and extracurricular activities during his undergraduate career. . . . A former editor of the Beacon and the Grist, he was a member of the Rhode Island Club and of varsity football, basketball, and golf teams. Ensign Greene was born in Smithtown, Long Island, on November 21, 1914, and he was prepared for State College at St. Paul’s School, Garden City, N.Y.**
The Rattle of Theta Chi, George Starr Lasher, ed. Vol XXXIII, March- April – May, 1945 No. 3 p. 3 [google books online]
*A fellow Theta Chi fraternity brother and 1939 graduate of the University of Alabama, Ensign John Quincy Roberts, also served on the USS Enterprise in Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6). He also died during the Battle of Midway.
Note: **Ens Greene graduated from St. Francis Prep HS not St. Paul’s School.
-------------------------------
Other members of Bombing Six who died at the Battle of Midway:
1). Ensign Delbert Wayne Halsey
2). AOM3 Ernest Lenard Hilbert
3). RM3 Jay William Jenkins
4). S1C Lee Edward John Keaney
5). ARM1 Harry William Nelson, Jr.
6). LTJG Norman Francis Vandivier
7). LTJG John James Van Buren
8). ENS Bertram Stetson Varian, Jr
9). LTJG Frederick Thomas Weber
10). ARM3 Charles Robert Young
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[bio#253 composed by G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID:#93151
Eugene Michael Greene was one of 39 students from the academic department who received their academic diplomas from St. Francis Prep High School in Brooklyn, NY at commencement exercises on 10 June 1932 (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 11 June 1932). He neither graduated from St Francis in 1936 nor attended a St Paul HS as some researchers have said. There was a four year gap between his high school graduation and start of college in 1936. Speculation was that after his mother died in Dec 1932, he had to find work to help support the family and raise money for his own tuition for college. Eugene Michael Greene began classes in Sept 1936 at Rhode Island State College (RISC) (Later named University of Rhode Island) and graduated at commencement exercises on 14 Jun 1940 in Kingston, RI. with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in physical education.
During his collegiate career Gene, true to his interest in sports and athletics in general, played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf (Capt.senior year). He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the school yearbook, Grist. He was active in campus committees and clubs. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.* There was no evidence that I can find that Gene participated in the Army ROTC program for two years as claimed by URI Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC). There was, however, a John T. Greene who participated.
Eugene Michael Greene, b. 21 Nov 1914 in Smithtown, NY, registered for the WWII draft on 16 Oct 1940 with an address in Queens, NY. Anticipating that he would soon be drafted, Gene took matters into his own hands and obtained an application for the Aviation Training in the U.S. Naval Reserve (V-5) program. He submitted required documentary data including: a birth certificate (in this case a baptismal record with date of birth included), educational records from high school and college, three letters of recommendation from persons of recognized standing in the community, a hand-written resume covering occupational and other experience, and a recent photograph of himself. In addition, he had to pass a physical and dental exam, and sit for an interview with the Naval Reserve Flight Selection Board (NRFSB)at Floyd Bennett Field. The board assessed various aspects of Greene’s character and educational qualifications to determine his potential as an officer and naval aviator. He received an overall numerical score that was compared to other applicants in his class to determine a final ranking among the group.
Elimination flight training (e-base) was the last hurdle Greene had to face before the Board made its final decision on whether to recommend him to the Bureau of Navigation (Later, Bureau of Naval Personnel) for acceptance as an aviation cadet. In order to complete the final phase of his application process, Gene had to enlist in the US Naval Reserve. If Greene was not selected or washed-out of the program, he would have to serve as an enlisted man in the Naval Reserve. He would be subject to call-up to active duty, but not subject to the draft. While processing Green’s application, the Navy made an administrative error in the spelling of his name. Due to a mix-up by the Navy, Eugene's middle name was changed from Eugene Michael Greene to his baptismal record name Eugene A(llen) Greene. The error was not caught in time to prevent his name from becoming Eugene Allen Greene in all navy paperwork.
Eugene A. Greene enlisted as a Seaman Second Class (S2c) in the US Navy Reserve Flight training program (V-5) on 13 Jan 1941 in Brooklyn, Kings, NY for four years. S2/c Greene (NSN:4038473) transferred from the HQ, Third Naval District to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Brooklyn, NY (NRAB Brooklyn, NY) on 15 Jan 1941 where he began the 30 day Elimination Flight training instruction (E-base). Near the end of his E-base instruction, Greene successfully completed a short solo flight; a requirement to complete E-base instruction. After he successfully completed E-base training on 13 Feb 1941, Greene was released from temporary active duty and sent home to await further orders.
Greene received orders by mail from the Secretary of the Navy in early March ordering him to report to the Commandant, Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola for duty under instruction as an aviation cadet. S2/c Greene transferred from NRAB, Brooklyn, NY on 10 March 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL (NAS, Jax) on 13 Mar 1941. S2c Greene was discharged from enlisted status on 19 Mar 1941 to take the oath of office and accept appointment as an Aviation Cadet on 20 Mar 1941 with a date of rank of 15 March 1941. Quarters at NAS Jax were used to provide extra living space the large influx of Naval Reserve Aviation Cadets needed until space in a class at NAS Pensacola was available. It is believed that Greene was assigned to the NAS Pensacola Aviation Cadet Regiment in class 4-C-41-PC. Greene and his class began on 10 April 1941 a two week course of indoctrination that included lectures on seamanship, leadership, fundamentals of the naval service, naval command and procedure.
On 25 April 1941, Green's class began taking instruction at the ground school and at Squadron 1. Greene completed his primary flight training about mid-July when he passed final checks in Squadron 2 and advanced to Squadron 3. Greene completed Squadron 3 and primary flight training at NAS Pensacola in Sept 1941 whereupon he was temporarily transferred to the NRAB at Opa-Laka, FL and NAS, Miami for about six to eight weeks of active duty under instruction with the Advanced Training Specialized Carrier Group (ATSCG). This training was designed for pilots who were assigned to fly carrier-based aircraft. In Nov., Greene received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective on 15 Oct 1941. Then he took the oath of office and accepted a commission as an Ensign, AV(N), USNR, on 21 Nov. 1941 with a date of rank of 30 Aug 1941.
After his commissioning, Ensign Greene detached from NAS Miami, and he was placed on active duty involving flying other than training. Ens. Greene was allowed a delay in reporting to his next command to count as leave. He reported in Dec 1941 for temporary duty to the Advanced Carrier Training Group (ACTG) at Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA for 6-8 weeks of training in fleet-type planes and carrier-landing qualification. The culmination of his ACTG training was to become "carrier qualified" by making three carrier landings in a Vought SB2U on board the USS Long Island (CVE-1) -- first of the escort "Jeep" carriers -- while she steamed in the waters around Chesapeake Bay. He finished that training, and in early February 1942, Ens. Greene was allowed a short leave to return to New York to marry Anita McSwiney on 10 Feb 1942 at the Incarnation Church, Bellaire, Queens, NY.
Upon his return to NAS Norfolk, and with little warning in late Feb 1942, Ensign Greene, along with thirty or so other ACTG graduate pilots, received orders to proceed via train to San Francisco and then to Hawaii on board the transport ship S.S. President Hoover for assignment. After a weeks steaming, the Hoover reached Honolulu about 01 Mar 1942 where the ACTG graduates traveled across the Island of Oahu to NAS, Kaneohe Bay where they received individual assignments to squadrons in need of new pilots. Many pilots of this group were assigned to Scouting Six including Ensign John Quincy Roberts* and some temporarily assigned to Lcdr Max Leslie’s bombing Three. Ens. Greene was assigned to duty with Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) embarked on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a squadron of Enterprise Air Group Six.
Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor from the Marcus Island raid on 10 Mar 1942 with her squadrons landing on Oahu ahead of her. Ensign Greene reported for duty with VB-6 on 11 March 1942. Also reporting with Ens. Greene from the ACTG were Ensigns Stephen Hogan, Don Ely, Harry Liffner, George Goldsmith, Bert Varian and Lewis Hopkins. For the next three weeks, VB-6 commanding officer, Lt Dick Best, trained his new pilots in bombing exercises against land targets and practice carrier landings ashore. Enterprise got underway on 01 Apr for several days of training and squadron carrier landing qualifications. Ensign Greene made his seven landings on Enterprise to become “carrier qualified.”
Enterprise and her air group returned to Pearl Harbor on 3 April. However, it wasn’t long before Air Group Six was placed on 2-hour sailing notice on 07 April. The “Big E” steamed out of Pearl Harbor on 08 April for a mission shrouded in secrecy. Normally, the mission was divulged to the crew on the first night at sea, however, Admiral Halsey kept this mission a secret. On the morning of 13 April, USS Hornet’s task force appeared on the horizon, her deck sporting many strange looking aircraft. Later that evening, Admiral Halsey dispelled all the rumors by announcing the task force was proceeding on a mission to bomb the Japanese mainland. From that day forward, Enterprise would provide combat air patrol (CAP) coverage as well as reconnaissance flights until Hornet launched Doolittle’s 16 B-25s on 18 April 1942.
On that day, Ens. Greene (6-B-19) and fellow VB-6 pilots, Ens. Art Rausch (6-B-17), and Ens. George H. Goldsmith (6-B-15) with their rear-seat gunners RM3 Samuel A. Muntean, ARM2 Gail W. Halterman, and ARM 3 James W. Patterson, Jr., respectively, were returning from search missions. They landed successfully only on the wrong flight deck. Somehow, they confused Hornet for Enterprise. Three VB-3 pilots also suffered the same fate of landing on the wrong carrier. They were Ltjg. Ozzie B. Wiseman (3-B-16), Ens. Alden "Oley" Hanson (3-B-5) and Ens. Milford A. Merrill (3-B-17). Their respective rear-seat gunners were ARM3 Grant U. Dawn, ARM3 Joseph V. Godfrey, and ARM3 Dallas J. Bergeron. They would remain on board Hornet with only the flight suits on their back until the carriers returned to Pearl Harbor on 25 April (source: USS Hornet muster reports for 18 April and 25 April 1942).
On 29 April 1942, Enterprise got underway to conduct training exercises northwest of Oahu. After several days of aviator carrier qualifications, Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. CV-6 was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. Enterprise got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with Hornet, steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Enterprises' air group (launched 0700) along with those from the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) launched their strike packages to intercept and attack the Japanese carrier fleet approaching the Midway Atoll. Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) with only 15 SBDs including Ens. Gene Greene and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Samuel Andrew Muntean, flying in 6-B-9 in VB-6’s Second Division, 18 SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) and the CEAG McClusky’s section of three SBDs launched, formed up, then circled the task force waiting for Fighting Six and Torpedo Six to launch. Twenty minutes passed with little visible activity for a VT-6 and VF-6 launching. Meanwhile the SBDs, carrying a heavy load of bombs, were using up valuable fuel. Finally, at 0745, Lcdr McClusky was instructed to "proceed on mission assigned." The unnecessary expenditure of fuel by all the Enterprise Air Group was to have deadly consequences later in this mission.
After nearly 3 1/2 hours in the air searching for the enemy, the CEAG finally spotted the Japanese carrier fleet with the unintended assistance of Japanese destroyer Arashi. The SBDs of VB-6 and VS-6 were near fuel exhaustion. Lcdr McClusky issued “vague” orders to Lt Best and Lt Gallaher on which carriers to attack. Apparently, Lt Best didn't receive the orders and Lt Gallaher misinterpreted the orders. As the attack on Kaga began at 1020 near disastrous confusion resulted between Lt Best leading VB-6 and Lt Gallaher leading VS-6 on which target, Kaga or Akagi, each squadron was to attack. Consequently, 27 of the 30 SBDs from both squadrons, including Ens. Greene, attacked Kaga. Kaga was hit multiple times and suffered the effects of many near misses. Only VB-6 Squadron commander, Lt Dick Best (S-B-1) and his two wingmen, Ltjg Edwin Kroeger (S-B-2) and Ens. Frederick T Weber (S-B-3) attacked Akagi beginning about 1025. Lt Best’s one direct hit with his 1,000 lb bomb doomed the Japanese navy’s largest carrier of her day. She was scuttled the next day.
Pulling out of his dive attack, Ens. Greene found the sky full of anti-aircraft fire and Zero fighters. Greene formed up with squadron mates Ens. Tom Ramsey (6-B-11) and Lew Hopkins (6-B-12). Everyone was very low on fuel. As the little group neared the task force, RM3 Muntean signaled the other radiomen that his plane was out of fuel and heading down to make an ocean landing. Ens. Hopkins followed Greene all the way down and saw their SBD make a splash landing. The crew of S-B-9 were seen to climb into their yellow rubber life raft. Next, Ens. Ramsey went into the water about 15 miles short of the Enterprise. He and his gunner, AMM2 Sherman Duncan, survived an week-long ordeal on the sea in their life raft before finally being rescued by a Midway PBY on 12 June. Ens. Hopkins was the last SBD from the morning strike to land on board Enterprise at 1210 with only a wisp of fuel remaining from the original 310 gallons. He had been in the air for over 5 hrs.
Ensign Gene A. Greene and gunner RM3 Muntean were never found. Their remains were unrecoverable. Ens. Greene was reported by Enterprise as missing in action on 4 June 1942. However, his widow and father received telegrams from the Navy Department on 18 June that initially said Greene was killed in action. It wasn’t until early July that they received another telegram that changed Greene’s status to missing in action. Greene’s status was updated on 5 June 1943 to presumed dead.
------------------------------------
Ens. Greene was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp and two bronze battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Destroyer Escort (DE) 549 was originally named in honor of Ens. Greene on 28 Oct. 1943, but construction was canceled on 10 Jun 1944. The Gearing-class destroyer, USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was later named in his honor.
-----------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Eugene Allen Greene, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve,
“For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as pilot of an airplane of a bombing squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway during the period of June 4-6,1942. Disregarding extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and heavy fighter opposition, he, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in the initial dive bombing assault of our forces against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed in large measure to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Sources: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Navy Cross Citation quoted from Daily News (NY, NY) – 13 Nov 1942, Fri – p.310. (Newspapers.com online)
---------------------------------------------------------
USS Enterprise Presidential Unit citation (1942)
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls Islands raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Greene. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Eugene Allen Greene, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
------------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
------------------------------
The USS Eugene A Greene, DD/DDR-711 was a Gearing-Class destroyer named in honor of Ensign Eugene A. Greene. She was sponsored by Mrs. Anita M. Greene, widow of Ensign Greene. USS Greene was commissioned on 8 Jun 1945 and decommissioned on 31 Aug 1972 when she was sold to Spain. She was renamed Churruca (D61). She was stricken from Spanish records on 15 Sep 1989. She was sunk as a target on 12 Dec 1991.
Note: His widow, Anita, died in Mar 1985. Her burial location is unknown, but she may possibly be interred at the Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY where many of her family members lie at rest. She did not remarry. It is believed that the couple had no children.
-----------------------------
According to Prange et al in Miracle At Midway, p. 260, he states that while squadron leader McClusky was trailing the Japanese destroyer Arashi with his bombing group he lost one aircraft that of Ensign Eugene A Greene. It remains a mystery as to the reason for the dropout. Greene and his gunner were reported to have climbed into their lifeboat about forty miles from the US fleet, but no trace of them was ever found. [Of course, Prange was wrong. Greene went down AFTER the attack on Kaga not before. Also, McClusky was the Enterprise Air Group Commander not one of the squadron leaders.]
-------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – 14 Jun 1940, Fri – p. 6
11 From County Get R.I. State Degrees
Were Active in Many Undergraduate Groups – Were Represented in Most of Varsity, Intramural Sports, Honor Societies
Eleven Newport County students were members of this year’s graduating class at Rhode Island State College today. They took part in many activities in their undergraduate days. The county is represented in every club on the campus, in most of the Varsity and Intramural sports, and in honor societies. These are the county graduates and activities: . . . Eugene Michael Greene, 20 Catherine street, is graduating from the physical education department. He played basketball, baseball, and football his first year and three years of Varsity basketball and golf, being golf captain in his senior year. He was sports editor of the Freshman and Sophomore Beacons, and became editor-in-chief of the Beacon in his Senior Year. He was also editor of the Grist. He has been active in campus committees and clubs. He is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
-------------------------
Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode Island) – Fri, Jul 3, 1942 – p. 1
Former State Athlete “Lost In Action”
Gene Greene Played Football, Baseball, Basketball, Was Sports Editor
The Navy Department has reported Ensign Eugene M. (Gene) Greene, U.S.N., former Rhode Island State College athlete and editor, as “lost in action.” His bride of four months, Mrs. Anita McSweiney Greene, of Bellaire, N.Y., received the notification. Graduated with the class of 1940, Ensign Greene is believed to be the first Rhode Island State College alumnus to lose his life in the war. He played football, baseball, basketball, was a member of the golf team was sports editor and later editor of the Beacon and editor of the Grist.
---------------------------------------
The Tablet (Brooklyn, NY) - 18 Jul 1942, Sat - p.9
Local Youth Missing
Eugene Allen Greene, 27, ensign in the Navy, who had been previously reported killed in action, is now described as missing in an official telegram to his wife and father. Mr. Greene's father, James J. Greene, lives at 217-14 104th Ave, Queens Village, and his wife, Mrs Anita McSwiney Greene, resides at 210-24 88th Rd., Bellaire. Mr Greene, who has two brothers, Thomas, 22, and William, 19, in the Army, is a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Brooklyn, and Rhode Island State College. He was married last Feb. 10, in the Incarnation Church, Bellaire. He has a sister, Mrs Marie Rough, and another brother, James, who lives in Jackson Heights.
-----------------------
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) – 19 March 1945, Mon. p. 3
Widow Sponsors Warship Named For Midway Flier
The Bellaire widow of Ensign Eugene Allen Greene, who flew to his death from the carrier Enterprise in the Battle of Midway, yesterday sent the 2,200-ton cruiser-destroyer named after him down the ways at christening ceremonies at Port Newark, N.J. The large destroyer, second of its type to be launched by the Port Newark yard of the Federal Ship-building and Dry Dock Co., was sponsored by Mrs. Anita McSwiney Greene of 210-24 88th Road. Ensign Greene, who served with Bombing Squadron 6 and received a Navy Cross, participated in the initial dive bombing assault against the Jap fleet approaching Midway. His citation for heroism read: “Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with utter disregard for his own personal safety.”
-----------------------------
"Two More Ships Named for Theta Chis"
Two Theta Chi Ensigns, both air pilots, one from the North, the other from the South, took off from the USS Enterprise in the historic Battle of Midway of June, 1942, the turning point of the naval conflict between the United States and Japan. They gave their lives to help win that bitter contest. In March two gallant fighting vessels were launched; they were christened the USS Eugene A. Greene and the USS John Q. Roberts* in honor of those two Theta Chis, who as athletes and undergraduate campus leaders had brought honor to their fraternity at Rhode Island State College and the University of Alabama, respectively. Their courageous exploits at Midway had been earlier recognized by the award of the Navy Cross to each. Curiously enough, they were the first athletes from their respective schools to lose their lives in World War II. . . . Ensign Green, ’40, prominent in athletics and extracurricular activities during his undergraduate career. . . . A former editor of the Beacon and the Grist, he was a member of the Rhode Island Club and of varsity football, basketball, and golf teams. Ensign Greene was born in Smithtown, Long Island, on November 21, 1914, and he was prepared for State College at St. Paul’s School, Garden City, N.Y.**
The Rattle of Theta Chi, George Starr Lasher, ed. Vol XXXIII, March- April – May, 1945 No. 3 p. 3 [google books online]
*A fellow Theta Chi fraternity brother and 1939 graduate of the University of Alabama, Ensign John Quincy Roberts, also served on the USS Enterprise in Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6). He also died during the Battle of Midway.
Note: **Ens Greene graduated from St. Francis Prep HS not St. Paul’s School.
-------------------------------
Other members of Bombing Six who died at the Battle of Midway:
1). Ensign Delbert Wayne Halsey
2). AOM3 Ernest Lenard Hilbert
3). RM3 Jay William Jenkins
4). S1C Lee Edward John Keaney
5). ARM1 Harry William Nelson, Jr.
6). LTJG Norman Francis Vandivier
7). LTJG John James Van Buren
8). ENS Bertram Stetson Varian, Jr
9). LTJG Frederick Thomas Weber
10). ARM3 Charles Robert Young
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[bio#253 composed by G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID:#93151
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from New York.
