Capt John Robert Alvord

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Capt John Robert Alvord Veteran

Birth
Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, USA
Death
4 Jun 1942 (aged 26)
At Sea
Burial
Kittery Point, York County, Maine, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
U. S. M. C.

John was killed in the Battle of Midway. For details and a photo, see http://missingmarines.com/2012/02/09/captain-john-robert-alvord/

His body was not recovered, so his name was put on the gravestone of his parents as a memorial.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John Robert Alvord (MCSN: 0-6020), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a find leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
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From FAG contributor, G47:
For his heroism at the battle of Midway he was presented (posthumously) with the Navy Cross as you know. He was also present (posthumously) with the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in combat on 4 Jun 1942. His squadron was part of Marine Air Group 22 (MAG 22). That group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). He was awarded that citation as well. I would appreciate it if you would consider adding the citation to his memorial page.

Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation reads:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
U. S. M. C.

John was killed in the Battle of Midway. For details and a photo, see http://missingmarines.com/2012/02/09/captain-john-robert-alvord/

His body was not recovered, so his name was put on the gravestone of his parents as a memorial.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John Robert Alvord (MCSN: 0-6020), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a find leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
___________________________________________________
From FAG contributor, G47:
For his heroism at the battle of Midway he was presented (posthumously) with the Navy Cross as you know. He was also present (posthumously) with the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in combat on 4 Jun 1942. His squadron was part of Marine Air Group 22 (MAG 22). That group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). He was awarded that citation as well. I would appreciate it if you would consider adding the citation to his memorial page.

Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation reads:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."