ERNEST LENARD HILBERT, or ERIE as he was also known, was born on 14 Jun 1920 in Quinn, Pennington, South Dakota. He was the tenth of twelve children born to Thomas Fedder Hilbert and Ellen "Ella" Julia Keller who married on 12 Dec 1900 in Buckingham, Tama, Iowa. Ernest's siblings were: Anna A., Myrtle, Harold, Albert T., Arthur P., Gladys M., Ellen Fern, Leo M., Henry Donald, Thomas Corwin and Jeanne Marcella Hilbert. First two children born in Clinton county, IA and the last 10 born in South Dakota. When his parents moved to El Monte, CA in 1935, Ernest came to Welton, IA north of DeWitt, IA, where he continued his high school studies and lived with his cousin, Ferdinand "Ferd" Peters, who was the son of Ernest's aunt, Lena Hilbert Peters. They lived on the farm where his paternal grandparents homesteaded. Ernie was active in school activities. He graduated from Welton High School with the class of 1939 and served as the class president during his senior year. After graduation, Ernie returned to California.

In March 1940, Hilbert submitted an application to enlist in the US Navy. After gathering the necessary paperwork and passing a physical examination, Hilbert was accepted for enlistment. With his father's permission, Ernest Lenard Hilbert enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) in the US Navy (NSN:382-18-65) 10 April 1940 at Los Angeles, Calif. During basic training, Hilbert was administered several aptitude tests. It was determined based upon his scores that he should train as an Ordnanceman. He completed his basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Station. He transferred to the Ordnanceman Service "Class A" School for instruction. While he was in school, Hilbert advanced in rate on 10 Aug 1940 to Seaman 2/c (S2c). He finished Ordnanceman school in November 1940, and he was assigned duty with Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6) on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) as an Aviation Ordnanceman striker. In Jan 1941, S2c Hilbert advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c).

In May 1941, he advanced in rate to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class (AOM3). During February - April 1942, Hilbert was one of the VB-6 ordnancemen who provided munitions for the SBDs that attacked the Marshall Islands (01 Feb 1942), Wake Island (24 Feb 1942, Marcus Island (04 Mar 1942 and then supported the Doolittle raid (18 April 1942). There was no evidence that Hilbert flew any combat mission during those early actions. However, it can not be over emphasized how physically taxing and extremely dangerous his job on and below the flight deck was. Somehow in the midst of his pressing requirements of his "day" job, Hilbert found the time to qualify as an Aviation Radioman. He had to learn Morse code, as well as, all the associated equipment. A learning experience that the US Navy has a 17-20 week school to provide. Hilbert also had to learn how to accurately fire and maintain the 30-caliber twin barrel machine gun. Finally, he had to have flight time in order to qualify to sit in the rear-seat of an SBD dive-bomber. Just prior to 4 Jun 1942, Hilbert was advanced in rate to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class (AOM2).

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. She 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 USS Hornet (CV-8), 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 Ltjg Frederick Thomas Weber in the First Division flying 6-B-3 with his rear-seat gunner Aviation Ordananceman Second Class (AOM2) Ernest Lenard Hilbert, 18 SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) and the CEAG section of three 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 were using up valuable fuel unnecessarily. Finally, at 0745 Lcdr McClusky, CEAG, was instructed to "proceed on mission assigned." The unnecessary expenditure of fuel by all the Enterprise Air Group was to have serious consequences after the enemy was finally attacked at 10:25.

After nearly 3 1/2 hours in the air, 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 (CEAG) issued vague orders to Best and Gallaher on which carriers to attack. Apparently, Lt Best didn't receive the orders and Lt Gallaher misinterpreted the CEAG's 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 attacked Kaga. Only VB-6 Squadron CO 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 scored a direct hit on Akagi setting off tremendous explosions and starting numerous raging fires. Lt Kroeger's bomb was a near miss. It appears that Ens. Weber's 1,000 pound bomb almost grazed the edge of Akagi's flight deck before it exploded in the water next to the carrier. The concussion of that explosion damaged the rudder such that the carrier was forced into a locked thirty degree circle. Unable to regain control of the rudders, Akagi's crew had to stop her engines.

Pulling out of his dive after the attack, Weber formed on his leader, Lt Dick Best, and the squadron headed home to refuel and rearm During the return flight Weber was attacked by a Nakajima E8N2 Type 95 float-plane from one of the IJN warships. It made two firing passes at Weber's plane, but he was able to escape. As they cleared the area, Ens. Kroeger in 6-B-2 joined them. Lt Best and his two cohorts arrived in the Enterprise's landing pattern around 1145. He was followed on board by Kroeger and Weber.

Of the fifteen dive bombers from VB-6 that took off from the Enterprise that morning only five survived the attack although six pilots and five gunners from the ditched aircraft where rescued later. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and fuel exhaustion took the biggest toll on this squadron after the initial attacks.

At 1545 that afternoon, Weber took off again with Hilbert in 6-B-3 from Enterprise in a strike force composed of 24 SBD aircraft from three squadrons; Scouting Six (VS-6) had only seven planes, Bombing Six (VB-6), led by Lt Best, had four operational aircraft with one flying from Yorktown and Yorktown's Bombing Three (VB-3) had fourteen. About an hour later at 1700, the remaining undamaged Japanese carrier, Hiryu, was sighted. Attacking without friendly fighter cover, the vulnerable American dive bombers were intercepted by Japanese fighters and Ensign Weber along with his gunner, AOM3 Ernest Leonard Hilbert, in 6-B-3, were shot down. Hiryu was hit multiple times and left in flames. Lt Best in Enterprises' 6-B-1 made his second direct hit on a Japanese carrier that day. The first and only hit on Akagi was also delivered by Lt Best. Hiryu was scuttled the following day.

AOM2 Ernest Lenard Hilbert did not return from this mission. He was listed as missing in action. His remains were unrecoverable. On 5 Jun 1943, he was "presumed" dead. Petty Officer Hilbert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze Battle Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.
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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Ernest Lenard Hilbert, Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class, United States Navy, "For heroic achievement in aerial flight as gunner of an airplane in Bombing Squadron Six in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 - 5 June 1942. During the first of two dive-bombing attacks against enemy Japanese naval forces, Hilbert by maintaining skillful and continuous fire from his free machine guns, enabled his pilot to escape the devastating enemy fighter attacks. While pursuing the same bold fearless tactics in the second attack, he was shot down. His courage and outstanding devotion to duty in these perilous engagements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the defense of his country."

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)
Citation quoted from newspaper The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa) · 14 Jul 1943, Wed · Page 2
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USS Enterprise Presidential Unit citation (1942) awarded (posthumously) to AOM3 Hilbert. The citation reads:

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.
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His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Petty Officer Hilbert. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Ernest Lenard HILBERT, 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
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The following are excerpts from a letter to Mr.and Mrs. Hilbert written by J.R. Penland, Lieutenant, USN, Commander, Bombing Squadron Six: "As Commanding Officer in the squadron in which your son, Ernest, served, I am writing to offer my heartfelt sympathy to you in your bereavement. I hope that you may find some comfort in knowing that he was highly respected and admired by all his shipmates. . . . "Earnest was killed in action against the enemy. I regret that restrictions of war prevent my giving you details; however, I can say that your son died fearlessly, bravely and in accordance with the highest traditions of the naval service. He has been a shining example for all the other fine young men who served with him and his sacrifice has not been in vain. You can feel proud of your boy for the way he lived and the way he died." Memorial services commemorating Ernest's death were held on board ship. Just prior to his death he had made his second class rating as aviation ordnanceman.

The newspaper also stated that Hilbert was at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack, as were two of his brothers. Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) sent three SBDs with another fifteen SBDs from Scouting Six (VS-6) on a reconnaissance flight early on the morning of 07 Dec 1942. Enterprise was some 200 miles away steaming toward an afternoon arrival at Pearl Harbor. After completing their reconnaissance flight, the group of 18 SBDs flew toward their home field at Pearl Harbor. They flew right into the teeth of the Japanese attack. Ensign Frederick Weber in 6-B-12 was one of the three VB-6 planes, but his radioman-gunner was S1c Lee Edward John Keaney. Hilbert's name doesn't appear on any tactical organization lists for that flight.

Source: The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa) · 14 Jul 1943, Wed · Page 2
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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
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The U.S.S. HILBERT (DE-742) was named in his honor. The ship was launched on 18 July 1943 by the Western Pipe and Steel Company; sponsored by Mrs. Fern Hilbert Wier, sister of Aviation Ordnanceman Hilbert. She was commissioned on 4 Feb 1944 under the command of Commander J.W. Golinkin, USNR, nationally known artist. According to the ship's biography PO Hilbert was born in Quinn, SD, and at the time of his death his home was El Monte, California. He had five brothers in the service -- three in the Navy and two in the Army. The HILBERT served in the Pacific operating with Task Forces 30, 38, 50, and 58. Although HILBERT was never directly engaged with the enemy, she played an important part in screening logistics units which enabled the Third and Fifth Fleets to press home the blows against the Japanese. The ship successfully rode out the disastrous typhoons of Dec 1944 and June 1945 with only minor damage and the loss of one sailor, Charles D. Smith, Cox, USN, of Butler, Kentucky, who was swept overboard and was lost. The HILBERT participated in supporting actions in the operations against the Marianas, Palau, Carolines, Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Japanese homelands. On 9 Sept 1945, along with other units of the Logistics Support Group, the HILBERT dropped anchor for the first time in Japanese homeland waters at Sagami Wan. The following day the group proceeded from Sagami Wan to Tokyo Bay. On 29 Sept 1945, the ship received orders to return to the United States, in company with other ships of Escort Division 32, after a total of seventeen months in the Pacific. Hilbert received eight battle stars for World War II service.

Bio transcribed from the WWII War Diaries of USS HILBERT (DE-742) found at: https://www.fold3.com/image/302045885 [retrieved 8 Jun 2016]
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The Humbolt Independent (Humbolt, Iowa) - 17 Aug 1943, Tue p. 4
Interesting Items From All Portions of State of Iowa
Another Iowa Ship

Mrs. L.E. Draper of Buckingham township, Tama county, one of the Iowa relatives of the late Ernest L. Hilbert, gunner lost in the battle of the Midway Islands, June 4, 1942, attended the christening ceremonies of the U.S.S. Hilbert at San Pedro, Calif., recently. Hilbert, from whom the vessel was named, was a nephew of Mrs. Draper. His parents were one-time residents of north Tama county.
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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.
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Bio#257 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)