Joined the U.S. Navy in January 1941. He was a airplane radioman and was assigned to the USS Hornet, Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). This squadron was totally destroyed in the attack on the Japenese fleet during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. Out of 15 planes in the attack only one pilot, Ensign George Gay, survived. Otway was assigned to the plane of Lt.Jeff Davis Woodson.
He married Robbie Jewell Poindexter, September 1941, in Roanoke County, Virginia.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
Petty Officer Creasy was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he sustained in combat on June 4, 1942.
∼Otway David Creasy, Sr., and Minnie Mae O’Bryan were married in 1911. They were the parents of at least four children: Jennings O’Bryan, Margaret M., Otway David “Pete”Jr., and Quentin Randolph Creasy. Quentin was a Captain, US Army, during WWII. David married Robbie Jewell Poindexter on 20 Sep 1941 in Roanake, VA. It is unknown as to whether they had any children.
Known as David at William Byrd HS in Vinton, VA. There was also a reference to his being called Pete in the 1939 Black Swan yearbook. His older sister Margaret graduated from the same HS in 1932 and his brother Quentin also attended.
David was listed with the 1933 Junior Class then again with the 1936 Junior Class and then finally as a Senior in the 1939 class when he was 23 yrs old. He did graduate in June 1939. The Black Swan yearbook of that year said this about him, “In truth hard study is bad for the brain.” Further, it said, “Pete’s smiling countenance is not easily erasable. Obstacles mean little in his life, for he has a will to overcome them.“ He was also mentioned in the 1942 Black Swan yearbook among those serving their country in the military. There must be a story about David during this time that influenced his schooling, but I don't know what it is yet.
According to the 1940 Vinton, VA federal census report, David lived at home with his parents and several siblings. He was employed as a shipping clerk working 20 weeks in 1939. At the time, he had completed the 3rd year of High School (believe that to be in error). Several months after the census was taken, Otway D. Creasy, Jr enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-3 program (communications) (NSN 405 75 01) on 19 Sept 1940 in Roanoke, VA.
For the next nine months his duties are unknown, but it can be assumed that he went through some form of basic training and then was sent to Radioman school possibly in Charleston, SC. Radioman Third Class (RM3) Creasy was transferred to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Yard in Charleston, SC on 30 May 1941. He was transferred again on 2 Jun 1941 to Patrol Squadron Fifty Six (VP-56) a transitional training squadron Atlantic, for temporary duty. Creasy was then transferred to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk on 29 Aug 1941 for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). RM3 Creasy was transferred to VT-8 for duty several days later on 2 Sept 1941.
VT-8 was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-8) after her commissioning on 20 Oct 1941. After several months of shakedown training, the Hornet departed Norfolk, VA for the Pacific in March 1942 where she played a major role in the successful attack on Japan by Col Doolittle in April 1942.
Late in May 1942, a large Japanese carrier force headed for the Midway Atoll. The Hornet, along with carriers Yorktown and Enterprise moved to intercept that force. Early in the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Hornet launched her air group of 59 planes to attack the Japanese carriers. VT-8 was the only Hornet Air Group squadron to find the enemy carriers. Without fighter protection, the 15 planes of the squadron pressed their attack through an onslaught of enemy fighter and anti-aircraft fire. One by one, the torpedo planes were sent hurtling into the sea. All 15 aircraft were shot down with the loss of 29 of the 30 aircrew. Ltjg Jeff Davis Woodson and his gunner, ARM2 Otway David Creasy Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942, Ltjg Woodson and ARM2 (had been promoted) Creasy were listed as "missing in action." In that report, Rear Admiral (Select) Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of Torpedo Eight who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Petty Officer Creasy was recorded as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 because his remains were unrecoverable as were those of Ltjg Woodson. Their status was changed on 05 Jun 1943 to presumed dead. Petty Officer Creasy was awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.
----------------------------------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
---------------------------------------------------
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
----------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Otway David Creasy, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 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 of America
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
---------------------------------------------------------
Raleigh Register (Beckley, West Virginia) 30 July 1942
Men O’War In the News
The SQUARDRON of 15 torpedo planes that never came back from the Battle of Midway had among its 30 crew members, Otway D. Creasy, jr., 25-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Creasy, of Vinton, Virginia, who was better known in Beckley as “Pete” Creasy, nephew of Mrs W.L. Cox, of South Kanawha Street, and a frequent visitor here. On June 19, the navy department notified Creasy’s family that he was “missing following action,” but some hope was held out by his superior officers that he might still be found. Later news released concerning the battle, however, virtually destroyed this hope, for it was reported that only one man returned from the squadron, a Texas youth who avoided Japanese strafing by covering his head with a cushion while in the sea.
Creasy had been promoted to the rank of second class radioman and was also trained as a gunner while another man piloted his plane during the Midway battle. A graduate of William Byrd High School in the class of 1939, “Pete” was employed by the N.W. Pugh Company at Vinton before he entered the navy in January of 1941. Last September, while on furlough from Norfolk, he married Miss Robbie Poindexter, of Vinton; he is also survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister, one brother a lieutenant in the coast artillery stationed in Texas. On May 31, shortly before the word that he was missing reached his family, Creasy wrote his wife a cheerful letter telling her not to worry about him, but added, “honey, if anything does happen to me I wish you would keep on visiting the folks.”
-------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled and news article transcribed by G47]
He married Robbie Jewell Poindexter, September 1941, in Roanoke County, Virginia.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
Petty Officer Creasy was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he sustained in combat on June 4, 1942.
∼Otway David Creasy, Sr., and Minnie Mae O’Bryan were married in 1911. They were the parents of at least four children: Jennings O’Bryan, Margaret M., Otway David “Pete”Jr., and Quentin Randolph Creasy. Quentin was a Captain, US Army, during WWII. David married Robbie Jewell Poindexter on 20 Sep 1941 in Roanake, VA. It is unknown as to whether they had any children.
Known as David at William Byrd HS in Vinton, VA. There was also a reference to his being called Pete in the 1939 Black Swan yearbook. His older sister Margaret graduated from the same HS in 1932 and his brother Quentin also attended.
David was listed with the 1933 Junior Class then again with the 1936 Junior Class and then finally as a Senior in the 1939 class when he was 23 yrs old. He did graduate in June 1939. The Black Swan yearbook of that year said this about him, “In truth hard study is bad for the brain.” Further, it said, “Pete’s smiling countenance is not easily erasable. Obstacles mean little in his life, for he has a will to overcome them.“ He was also mentioned in the 1942 Black Swan yearbook among those serving their country in the military. There must be a story about David during this time that influenced his schooling, but I don't know what it is yet.
According to the 1940 Vinton, VA federal census report, David lived at home with his parents and several siblings. He was employed as a shipping clerk working 20 weeks in 1939. At the time, he had completed the 3rd year of High School (believe that to be in error). Several months after the census was taken, Otway D. Creasy, Jr enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-3 program (communications) (NSN 405 75 01) on 19 Sept 1940 in Roanoke, VA.
For the next nine months his duties are unknown, but it can be assumed that he went through some form of basic training and then was sent to Radioman school possibly in Charleston, SC. Radioman Third Class (RM3) Creasy was transferred to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Yard in Charleston, SC on 30 May 1941. He was transferred again on 2 Jun 1941 to Patrol Squadron Fifty Six (VP-56) a transitional training squadron Atlantic, for temporary duty. Creasy was then transferred to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk on 29 Aug 1941 for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). RM3 Creasy was transferred to VT-8 for duty several days later on 2 Sept 1941.
VT-8 was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-8) after her commissioning on 20 Oct 1941. After several months of shakedown training, the Hornet departed Norfolk, VA for the Pacific in March 1942 where she played a major role in the successful attack on Japan by Col Doolittle in April 1942.
Late in May 1942, a large Japanese carrier force headed for the Midway Atoll. The Hornet, along with carriers Yorktown and Enterprise moved to intercept that force. Early in the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Hornet launched her air group of 59 planes to attack the Japanese carriers. VT-8 was the only Hornet Air Group squadron to find the enemy carriers. Without fighter protection, the 15 planes of the squadron pressed their attack through an onslaught of enemy fighter and anti-aircraft fire. One by one, the torpedo planes were sent hurtling into the sea. All 15 aircraft were shot down with the loss of 29 of the 30 aircrew. Ltjg Jeff Davis Woodson and his gunner, ARM2 Otway David Creasy Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942, Ltjg Woodson and ARM2 (had been promoted) Creasy were listed as "missing in action." In that report, Rear Admiral (Select) Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of Torpedo Eight who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Petty Officer Creasy was recorded as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 because his remains were unrecoverable as were those of Ltjg Woodson. Their status was changed on 05 Jun 1943 to presumed dead. Petty Officer Creasy was awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.
----------------------------------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
---------------------------------------------------
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
----------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Otway David Creasy, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 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 of America
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
---------------------------------------------------------
Raleigh Register (Beckley, West Virginia) 30 July 1942
Men O’War In the News
The SQUARDRON of 15 torpedo planes that never came back from the Battle of Midway had among its 30 crew members, Otway D. Creasy, jr., 25-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Creasy, of Vinton, Virginia, who was better known in Beckley as “Pete” Creasy, nephew of Mrs W.L. Cox, of South Kanawha Street, and a frequent visitor here. On June 19, the navy department notified Creasy’s family that he was “missing following action,” but some hope was held out by his superior officers that he might still be found. Later news released concerning the battle, however, virtually destroyed this hope, for it was reported that only one man returned from the squadron, a Texas youth who avoided Japanese strafing by covering his head with a cushion while in the sea.
Creasy had been promoted to the rank of second class radioman and was also trained as a gunner while another man piloted his plane during the Midway battle. A graduate of William Byrd High School in the class of 1939, “Pete” was employed by the N.W. Pugh Company at Vinton before he entered the navy in January of 1941. Last September, while on furlough from Norfolk, he married Miss Robbie Poindexter, of Vinton; he is also survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister, one brother a lieutenant in the coast artillery stationed in Texas. On May 31, shortly before the word that he was missing reached his family, Creasy wrote his wife a cheerful letter telling her not to worry about him, but added, “honey, if anything does happen to me I wish you would keep on visiting the folks.”
-------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled and news article transcribed by G47]
Joined the U.S. Navy in January 1941. He was a airplane radioman and was assigned to the USS Hornet, Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8). This squadron was totally destroyed in the attack on the Japenese fleet during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. Out of 15 planes in the attack only one pilot, Ensign George Gay, survived. Otway was assigned to the plane of Lt.Jeff Davis Woodson.
He married Robbie Jewell Poindexter, September 1941, in Roanoke County, Virginia.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
Petty Officer Creasy was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he sustained in combat on June 4, 1942.
∼Otway David Creasy, Sr., and Minnie Mae O’Bryan were married in 1911. They were the parents of at least four children: Jennings O’Bryan, Margaret M., Otway David “Pete”Jr., and Quentin Randolph Creasy. Quentin was a Captain, US Army, during WWII. David married Robbie Jewell Poindexter on 20 Sep 1941 in Roanake, VA. It is unknown as to whether they had any children.
Known as David at William Byrd HS in Vinton, VA. There was also a reference to his being called Pete in the 1939 Black Swan yearbook. His older sister Margaret graduated from the same HS in 1932 and his brother Quentin also attended.
David was listed with the 1933 Junior Class then again with the 1936 Junior Class and then finally as a Senior in the 1939 class when he was 23 yrs old. He did graduate in June 1939. The Black Swan yearbook of that year said this about him, “In truth hard study is bad for the brain.” Further, it said, “Pete’s smiling countenance is not easily erasable. Obstacles mean little in his life, for he has a will to overcome them.“ He was also mentioned in the 1942 Black Swan yearbook among those serving their country in the military. There must be a story about David during this time that influenced his schooling, but I don't know what it is yet.
According to the 1940 Vinton, VA federal census report, David lived at home with his parents and several siblings. He was employed as a shipping clerk working 20 weeks in 1939. At the time, he had completed the 3rd year of High School (believe that to be in error). Several months after the census was taken, Otway D. Creasy, Jr enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-3 program (communications) (NSN 405 75 01) on 19 Sept 1940 in Roanoke, VA.
For the next nine months his duties are unknown, but it can be assumed that he went through some form of basic training and then was sent to Radioman school possibly in Charleston, SC. Radioman Third Class (RM3) Creasy was transferred to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Yard in Charleston, SC on 30 May 1941. He was transferred again on 2 Jun 1941 to Patrol Squadron Fifty Six (VP-56) a transitional training squadron Atlantic, for temporary duty. Creasy was then transferred to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk on 29 Aug 1941 for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). RM3 Creasy was transferred to VT-8 for duty several days later on 2 Sept 1941.
VT-8 was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-8) after her commissioning on 20 Oct 1941. After several months of shakedown training, the Hornet departed Norfolk, VA for the Pacific in March 1942 where she played a major role in the successful attack on Japan by Col Doolittle in April 1942.
Late in May 1942, a large Japanese carrier force headed for the Midway Atoll. The Hornet, along with carriers Yorktown and Enterprise moved to intercept that force. Early in the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Hornet launched her air group of 59 planes to attack the Japanese carriers. VT-8 was the only Hornet Air Group squadron to find the enemy carriers. Without fighter protection, the 15 planes of the squadron pressed their attack through an onslaught of enemy fighter and anti-aircraft fire. One by one, the torpedo planes were sent hurtling into the sea. All 15 aircraft were shot down with the loss of 29 of the 30 aircrew. Ltjg Jeff Davis Woodson and his gunner, ARM2 Otway David Creasy Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942, Ltjg Woodson and ARM2 (had been promoted) Creasy were listed as "missing in action." In that report, Rear Admiral (Select) Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of Torpedo Eight who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Petty Officer Creasy was recorded as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 because his remains were unrecoverable as were those of Ltjg Woodson. Their status was changed on 05 Jun 1943 to presumed dead. Petty Officer Creasy was awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.
----------------------------------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
---------------------------------------------------
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
----------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Otway David Creasy, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 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 of America
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
---------------------------------------------------------
Raleigh Register (Beckley, West Virginia) 30 July 1942
Men O’War In the News
The SQUARDRON of 15 torpedo planes that never came back from the Battle of Midway had among its 30 crew members, Otway D. Creasy, jr., 25-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Creasy, of Vinton, Virginia, who was better known in Beckley as “Pete” Creasy, nephew of Mrs W.L. Cox, of South Kanawha Street, and a frequent visitor here. On June 19, the navy department notified Creasy’s family that he was “missing following action,” but some hope was held out by his superior officers that he might still be found. Later news released concerning the battle, however, virtually destroyed this hope, for it was reported that only one man returned from the squadron, a Texas youth who avoided Japanese strafing by covering his head with a cushion while in the sea.
Creasy had been promoted to the rank of second class radioman and was also trained as a gunner while another man piloted his plane during the Midway battle. A graduate of William Byrd High School in the class of 1939, “Pete” was employed by the N.W. Pugh Company at Vinton before he entered the navy in January of 1941. Last September, while on furlough from Norfolk, he married Miss Robbie Poindexter, of Vinton; he is also survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister, one brother a lieutenant in the coast artillery stationed in Texas. On May 31, shortly before the word that he was missing reached his family, Creasy wrote his wife a cheerful letter telling her not to worry about him, but added, “honey, if anything does happen to me I wish you would keep on visiting the folks.”
-------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled and news article transcribed by G47]
He married Robbie Jewell Poindexter, September 1941, in Roanoke County, Virginia.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
Petty Officer Creasy was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he sustained in combat on June 4, 1942.
∼Otway David Creasy, Sr., and Minnie Mae O’Bryan were married in 1911. They were the parents of at least four children: Jennings O’Bryan, Margaret M., Otway David “Pete”Jr., and Quentin Randolph Creasy. Quentin was a Captain, US Army, during WWII. David married Robbie Jewell Poindexter on 20 Sep 1941 in Roanake, VA. It is unknown as to whether they had any children.
Known as David at William Byrd HS in Vinton, VA. There was also a reference to his being called Pete in the 1939 Black Swan yearbook. His older sister Margaret graduated from the same HS in 1932 and his brother Quentin also attended.
David was listed with the 1933 Junior Class then again with the 1936 Junior Class and then finally as a Senior in the 1939 class when he was 23 yrs old. He did graduate in June 1939. The Black Swan yearbook of that year said this about him, “In truth hard study is bad for the brain.” Further, it said, “Pete’s smiling countenance is not easily erasable. Obstacles mean little in his life, for he has a will to overcome them.“ He was also mentioned in the 1942 Black Swan yearbook among those serving their country in the military. There must be a story about David during this time that influenced his schooling, but I don't know what it is yet.
According to the 1940 Vinton, VA federal census report, David lived at home with his parents and several siblings. He was employed as a shipping clerk working 20 weeks in 1939. At the time, he had completed the 3rd year of High School (believe that to be in error). Several months after the census was taken, Otway D. Creasy, Jr enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-3 program (communications) (NSN 405 75 01) on 19 Sept 1940 in Roanoke, VA.
For the next nine months his duties are unknown, but it can be assumed that he went through some form of basic training and then was sent to Radioman school possibly in Charleston, SC. Radioman Third Class (RM3) Creasy was transferred to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Yard in Charleston, SC on 30 May 1941. He was transferred again on 2 Jun 1941 to Patrol Squadron Fifty Six (VP-56) a transitional training squadron Atlantic, for temporary duty. Creasy was then transferred to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk on 29 Aug 1941 for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). RM3 Creasy was transferred to VT-8 for duty several days later on 2 Sept 1941.
VT-8 was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-8) after her commissioning on 20 Oct 1941. After several months of shakedown training, the Hornet departed Norfolk, VA for the Pacific in March 1942 where she played a major role in the successful attack on Japan by Col Doolittle in April 1942.
Late in May 1942, a large Japanese carrier force headed for the Midway Atoll. The Hornet, along with carriers Yorktown and Enterprise moved to intercept that force. Early in the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Hornet launched her air group of 59 planes to attack the Japanese carriers. VT-8 was the only Hornet Air Group squadron to find the enemy carriers. Without fighter protection, the 15 planes of the squadron pressed their attack through an onslaught of enemy fighter and anti-aircraft fire. One by one, the torpedo planes were sent hurtling into the sea. All 15 aircraft were shot down with the loss of 29 of the 30 aircrew. Ltjg Jeff Davis Woodson and his gunner, ARM2 Otway David Creasy Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942, Ltjg Woodson and ARM2 (had been promoted) Creasy were listed as "missing in action." In that report, Rear Admiral (Select) Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of Torpedo Eight who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Petty Officer Creasy was recorded as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 because his remains were unrecoverable as were those of Ltjg Woodson. Their status was changed on 05 Jun 1943 to presumed dead. Petty Officer Creasy was awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.
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Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Otway David Creasy, Jr. (NSN: 4057501), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as radioman and free machine gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the "Air Battle of Midway," on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Aviation Radioman Third Class Creasy resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, pressed home his attack with utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Presented to Torpedo Squadron Eight - Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo hits on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
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His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Otway David Creasy, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 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 of America
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
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Raleigh Register (Beckley, West Virginia) 30 July 1942
Men O’War In the News
The SQUARDRON of 15 torpedo planes that never came back from the Battle of Midway had among its 30 crew members, Otway D. Creasy, jr., 25-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Creasy, of Vinton, Virginia, who was better known in Beckley as “Pete” Creasy, nephew of Mrs W.L. Cox, of South Kanawha Street, and a frequent visitor here. On June 19, the navy department notified Creasy’s family that he was “missing following action,” but some hope was held out by his superior officers that he might still be found. Later news released concerning the battle, however, virtually destroyed this hope, for it was reported that only one man returned from the squadron, a Texas youth who avoided Japanese strafing by covering his head with a cushion while in the sea.
Creasy had been promoted to the rank of second class radioman and was also trained as a gunner while another man piloted his plane during the Midway battle. A graduate of William Byrd High School in the class of 1939, “Pete” was employed by the N.W. Pugh Company at Vinton before he entered the navy in January of 1941. Last September, while on furlough from Norfolk, he married Miss Robbie Poindexter, of Vinton; he is also survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister, one brother a lieutenant in the coast artillery stationed in Texas. On May 31, shortly before the word that he was missing reached his family, Creasy wrote his wife a cheerful letter telling her not to worry about him, but added, “honey, if anything does happen to me I wish you would keep on visiting the folks.”
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[bio compiled and news article transcribed by G47]
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Virginia.
