Daniel Joseph Hennessy and Mary Geraghty, a lass from the old country, were married about 1907. They were the parents of at least six children; John Brendan, Mary T., Edward James, Daniel Joseph Jr., Francis "Frank" Patrick and Thomas G. Hennessy. Daniel Sr. worked for many years as a manager for a grain elevator company in North Dakota. Daniel Sr sent all six of his children to college. All six earned at least a four year degree. Daniel Jr. graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1936. He married Elizabeth Jeanette Phillips on 02 July 1938 in Staples, Todd, MN. She had recently graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. They were the parents of four children; Jeanette Mary, John Michael, Daniel Joseph (twin) and Dianne (twin). Daniel and Dianne were posthumous births.
Daniel accepted a commission on 01 July 1936 as a 2Lt, USMC in Philadelphia, PA. After approximately 10 months of basic schooling, Hennessy detached from the Basic School in Philadelphia, PA and after a short leave period reported to the USS Lexington (CV-2) as a Marine Detachment officer on 14 April 1937. After 14 months of sea duty, Lt Hennessy detached from the USS Lexington's Marine Detachment on 30 Jun 1938 and after a leave period reported to the Rifle Range Detachment, MB, San Diego on 25 July 1938 as the assistant to the chief ranger officer. About six months later on 21 Jan 1939, he was transferred as a company officer to the Base Hq Company, MCB, San Diego. Several months later on 23 Mar 1939 he was transferred back to the Rifle Range Detachment as the assistant Range Officer.
Then on 20 May 1939 he was detached from his present command to report to the Marine Barracks, NAS Pensacola, FL to begin aviation training. He was authorized 37 days delay in reporting. After reporting to NAS Pensacola in late June he began aviation training as a student naval aviator (SNA) with class 127-O. About a month later on 27 July he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant effective from 01 July 1939. On 29 July 1939, the officers of class 123-O hosted a welcome party for the officers and wives in Flight Class 127-O that included Lt D.J. Hennessy. After almost a year of flight training under instruction Lt Hennessy received the designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) on 12 Jun 1940 effective on 15 May 1940.
On 15 June, he was detached from NAS Pensacola to report to the 1st Mar Air Group, 1MB (Marine Bombing Sq. One), Quantico, VA. He was authorized a month delay in reporting. He reported to Marine Bombing Squadron One, Quantico, VA on 10 July 1940 where he was assigned additional duties as the squadron personnel officer and assistant squadron gunnery officer. He also saw service with this squadron in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Before 1 Oct 1941 he was transferred to Marine Scout-Bombing Sq. 132 (VSMB-132), MAG-11, First MAW, Quantico, VA and while there Hennessy was promoted to Captain on 24 Oct 1941 with a date of rank of 01 Mar 1941. The squadron was on temp. aviation duty at Camp Kearney, CA during the month of January 1942. Capt Hennessy was a naval aviator, and had additional duties as the squadron navigator and intelligence officer. A short time later Capt Hennessy was detached from VSMB-132 and transferred to the HqSq, 2dMAW in San Diego. He was detached from that duty on 30 March 1942 when he embarked and sailed from San Francisco, CA aboard the USAT Acquitania. He arrived and disembarked on 04 April 1942 in Pearl Harbor. Later that day he reported to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 as the acting Executive Officer. Capt. Hennessy arrived on Midway via the USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 26 May 1942.
Shortly before 0600 on the morning of 4 Jun 1942 information was received on Midway that enemy aircraft were approaching the atoll. Marine fighters took off to intercept the large force of Japanese aircraft consisting of over 100 fighters, level bombers and dive bombers while Marine, Navy and Army bombers, dive bombers and torpedo planes were vectored to the Japanese carrier force and ordered to attack. Three Marine fighter divisions, Parks, Carey and Curtain were vectored toward the incoming enemy planes while two Marine fighter divisions led by Captains Hennessy and Armistead were sent to a holding area ten miles northwest of Midway to protect against enemy planes coming from another direction. After 25 minutes it was apparent that no other enemy planes were approaching so Hennessy (He led the second division that also included 2d Lt Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Capt. Herbert T. Merrill, 2d Lt.Thomas W. Benson, Capt Phillip R. White, and 2d Lt John DeWitt Lucas), and Armistead's divisions were ordered to also attack the incoming enemy planes. During the first pass on the enemy Major Park's Marine fighters shot down a number of enemy planes. However, the Japanese Zeros quickly overwhelmed the Marine fighters by sheer numbers and vastly superior equipment. By the time Hennessey and Armistead's divisions arrived on the scene Japanese fighters were swarming around the Marine aircraft relentlessly. American losses were steep. Captain Hennessy did not return from this mission and was declared missing in action as of 4 Jun 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. He was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Daniel J. Hennessy (MCSN: 0-5356), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Executive Officer 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 squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Hennessy 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 Hennessy gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
---------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Daniel Joseph Hennessy, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[bio #234 compiled by Gerry Lawton, GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94059
Find A Grave Memorial Page #56110533
Daniel accepted a commission on 01 July 1936 as a 2Lt, USMC in Philadelphia, PA. After approximately 10 months of basic schooling, Hennessy detached from the Basic School in Philadelphia, PA and after a short leave period reported to the USS Lexington (CV-2) as a Marine Detachment officer on 14 April 1937. After 14 months of sea duty, Lt Hennessy detached from the USS Lexington's Marine Detachment on 30 Jun 1938 and after a leave period reported to the Rifle Range Detachment, MB, San Diego on 25 July 1938 as the assistant to the chief ranger officer. About six months later on 21 Jan 1939, he was transferred as a company officer to the Base Hq Company, MCB, San Diego. Several months later on 23 Mar 1939 he was transferred back to the Rifle Range Detachment as the assistant Range Officer.
Then on 20 May 1939 he was detached from his present command to report to the Marine Barracks, NAS Pensacola, FL to begin aviation training. He was authorized 37 days delay in reporting. After reporting to NAS Pensacola in late June he began aviation training as a student naval aviator (SNA) with class 127-O. About a month later on 27 July he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant effective from 01 July 1939. On 29 July 1939, the officers of class 123-O hosted a welcome party for the officers and wives in Flight Class 127-O that included Lt D.J. Hennessy. After almost a year of flight training under instruction Lt Hennessy received the designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) on 12 Jun 1940 effective on 15 May 1940.
On 15 June, he was detached from NAS Pensacola to report to the 1st Mar Air Group, 1MB (Marine Bombing Sq. One), Quantico, VA. He was authorized a month delay in reporting. He reported to Marine Bombing Squadron One, Quantico, VA on 10 July 1940 where he was assigned additional duties as the squadron personnel officer and assistant squadron gunnery officer. He also saw service with this squadron in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Before 1 Oct 1941 he was transferred to Marine Scout-Bombing Sq. 132 (VSMB-132), MAG-11, First MAW, Quantico, VA and while there Hennessy was promoted to Captain on 24 Oct 1941 with a date of rank of 01 Mar 1941. The squadron was on temp. aviation duty at Camp Kearney, CA during the month of January 1942. Capt Hennessy was a naval aviator, and had additional duties as the squadron navigator and intelligence officer. A short time later Capt Hennessy was detached from VSMB-132 and transferred to the HqSq, 2dMAW in San Diego. He was detached from that duty on 30 March 1942 when he embarked and sailed from San Francisco, CA aboard the USAT Acquitania. He arrived and disembarked on 04 April 1942 in Pearl Harbor. Later that day he reported to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 as the acting Executive Officer. Capt. Hennessy arrived on Midway via the USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 26 May 1942.
Shortly before 0600 on the morning of 4 Jun 1942 information was received on Midway that enemy aircraft were approaching the atoll. Marine fighters took off to intercept the large force of Japanese aircraft consisting of over 100 fighters, level bombers and dive bombers while Marine, Navy and Army bombers, dive bombers and torpedo planes were vectored to the Japanese carrier force and ordered to attack. Three Marine fighter divisions, Parks, Carey and Curtain were vectored toward the incoming enemy planes while two Marine fighter divisions led by Captains Hennessy and Armistead were sent to a holding area ten miles northwest of Midway to protect against enemy planes coming from another direction. After 25 minutes it was apparent that no other enemy planes were approaching so Hennessy (He led the second division that also included 2d Lt Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Capt. Herbert T. Merrill, 2d Lt.Thomas W. Benson, Capt Phillip R. White, and 2d Lt John DeWitt Lucas), and Armistead's divisions were ordered to also attack the incoming enemy planes. During the first pass on the enemy Major Park's Marine fighters shot down a number of enemy planes. However, the Japanese Zeros quickly overwhelmed the Marine fighters by sheer numbers and vastly superior equipment. By the time Hennessey and Armistead's divisions arrived on the scene Japanese fighters were swarming around the Marine aircraft relentlessly. American losses were steep. Captain Hennessy did not return from this mission and was declared missing in action as of 4 Jun 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. He was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Daniel J. Hennessy (MCSN: 0-5356), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Executive Officer 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 squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Hennessy 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 Hennessy gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
---------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Daniel Joseph Hennessy, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[bio #234 compiled by Gerry Lawton, GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94059
Find A Grave Memorial Page #56110533
Daniel Joseph Hennessy and Mary Geraghty, a lass from the old country, were married about 1907. They were the parents of at least six children; John Brendan, Mary T., Edward James, Daniel Joseph Jr., Francis "Frank" Patrick and Thomas G. Hennessy. Daniel Sr. worked for many years as a manager for a grain elevator company in North Dakota. Daniel Sr sent all six of his children to college. All six earned at least a four year degree. Daniel Jr. graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1936. He married Elizabeth Jeanette Phillips on 02 July 1938 in Staples, Todd, MN. She had recently graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. They were the parents of four children; Jeanette Mary, John Michael, Daniel Joseph (twin) and Dianne (twin). Daniel and Dianne were posthumous births.
Daniel accepted a commission on 01 July 1936 as a 2Lt, USMC in Philadelphia, PA. After approximately 10 months of basic schooling, Hennessy detached from the Basic School in Philadelphia, PA and after a short leave period reported to the USS Lexington (CV-2) as a Marine Detachment officer on 14 April 1937. After 14 months of sea duty, Lt Hennessy detached from the USS Lexington's Marine Detachment on 30 Jun 1938 and after a leave period reported to the Rifle Range Detachment, MB, San Diego on 25 July 1938 as the assistant to the chief ranger officer. About six months later on 21 Jan 1939, he was transferred as a company officer to the Base Hq Company, MCB, San Diego. Several months later on 23 Mar 1939 he was transferred back to the Rifle Range Detachment as the assistant Range Officer.
Then on 20 May 1939 he was detached from his present command to report to the Marine Barracks, NAS Pensacola, FL to begin aviation training. He was authorized 37 days delay in reporting. After reporting to NAS Pensacola in late June he began aviation training as a student naval aviator (SNA) with class 127-O. About a month later on 27 July he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant effective from 01 July 1939. On 29 July 1939, the officers of class 123-O hosted a welcome party for the officers and wives in Flight Class 127-O that included Lt D.J. Hennessy. After almost a year of flight training under instruction Lt Hennessy received the designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) on 12 Jun 1940 effective on 15 May 1940.
On 15 June, he was detached from NAS Pensacola to report to the 1st Mar Air Group, 1MB (Marine Bombing Sq. One), Quantico, VA. He was authorized a month delay in reporting. He reported to Marine Bombing Squadron One, Quantico, VA on 10 July 1940 where he was assigned additional duties as the squadron personnel officer and assistant squadron gunnery officer. He also saw service with this squadron in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Before 1 Oct 1941 he was transferred to Marine Scout-Bombing Sq. 132 (VSMB-132), MAG-11, First MAW, Quantico, VA and while there Hennessy was promoted to Captain on 24 Oct 1941 with a date of rank of 01 Mar 1941. The squadron was on temp. aviation duty at Camp Kearney, CA during the month of January 1942. Capt Hennessy was a naval aviator, and had additional duties as the squadron navigator and intelligence officer. A short time later Capt Hennessy was detached from VSMB-132 and transferred to the HqSq, 2dMAW in San Diego. He was detached from that duty on 30 March 1942 when he embarked and sailed from San Francisco, CA aboard the USAT Acquitania. He arrived and disembarked on 04 April 1942 in Pearl Harbor. Later that day he reported to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 as the acting Executive Officer. Capt. Hennessy arrived on Midway via the USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 26 May 1942.
Shortly before 0600 on the morning of 4 Jun 1942 information was received on Midway that enemy aircraft were approaching the atoll. Marine fighters took off to intercept the large force of Japanese aircraft consisting of over 100 fighters, level bombers and dive bombers while Marine, Navy and Army bombers, dive bombers and torpedo planes were vectored to the Japanese carrier force and ordered to attack. Three Marine fighter divisions, Parks, Carey and Curtain were vectored toward the incoming enemy planes while two Marine fighter divisions led by Captains Hennessy and Armistead were sent to a holding area ten miles northwest of Midway to protect against enemy planes coming from another direction. After 25 minutes it was apparent that no other enemy planes were approaching so Hennessy (He led the second division that also included 2d Lt Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Capt. Herbert T. Merrill, 2d Lt.Thomas W. Benson, Capt Phillip R. White, and 2d Lt John DeWitt Lucas), and Armistead's divisions were ordered to also attack the incoming enemy planes. During the first pass on the enemy Major Park's Marine fighters shot down a number of enemy planes. However, the Japanese Zeros quickly overwhelmed the Marine fighters by sheer numbers and vastly superior equipment. By the time Hennessey and Armistead's divisions arrived on the scene Japanese fighters were swarming around the Marine aircraft relentlessly. American losses were steep. Captain Hennessy did not return from this mission and was declared missing in action as of 4 Jun 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. He was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Daniel J. Hennessy (MCSN: 0-5356), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Executive Officer 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 squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Hennessy 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 Hennessy gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
---------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Daniel Joseph Hennessy, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[bio #234 compiled by Gerry Lawton, GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94059
Find A Grave Memorial Page #56110533
Daniel accepted a commission on 01 July 1936 as a 2Lt, USMC in Philadelphia, PA. After approximately 10 months of basic schooling, Hennessy detached from the Basic School in Philadelphia, PA and after a short leave period reported to the USS Lexington (CV-2) as a Marine Detachment officer on 14 April 1937. After 14 months of sea duty, Lt Hennessy detached from the USS Lexington's Marine Detachment on 30 Jun 1938 and after a leave period reported to the Rifle Range Detachment, MB, San Diego on 25 July 1938 as the assistant to the chief ranger officer. About six months later on 21 Jan 1939, he was transferred as a company officer to the Base Hq Company, MCB, San Diego. Several months later on 23 Mar 1939 he was transferred back to the Rifle Range Detachment as the assistant Range Officer.
Then on 20 May 1939 he was detached from his present command to report to the Marine Barracks, NAS Pensacola, FL to begin aviation training. He was authorized 37 days delay in reporting. After reporting to NAS Pensacola in late June he began aviation training as a student naval aviator (SNA) with class 127-O. About a month later on 27 July he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant effective from 01 July 1939. On 29 July 1939, the officers of class 123-O hosted a welcome party for the officers and wives in Flight Class 127-O that included Lt D.J. Hennessy. After almost a year of flight training under instruction Lt Hennessy received the designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) on 12 Jun 1940 effective on 15 May 1940.
On 15 June, he was detached from NAS Pensacola to report to the 1st Mar Air Group, 1MB (Marine Bombing Sq. One), Quantico, VA. He was authorized a month delay in reporting. He reported to Marine Bombing Squadron One, Quantico, VA on 10 July 1940 where he was assigned additional duties as the squadron personnel officer and assistant squadron gunnery officer. He also saw service with this squadron in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Before 1 Oct 1941 he was transferred to Marine Scout-Bombing Sq. 132 (VSMB-132), MAG-11, First MAW, Quantico, VA and while there Hennessy was promoted to Captain on 24 Oct 1941 with a date of rank of 01 Mar 1941. The squadron was on temp. aviation duty at Camp Kearney, CA during the month of January 1942. Capt Hennessy was a naval aviator, and had additional duties as the squadron navigator and intelligence officer. A short time later Capt Hennessy was detached from VSMB-132 and transferred to the HqSq, 2dMAW in San Diego. He was detached from that duty on 30 March 1942 when he embarked and sailed from San Francisco, CA aboard the USAT Acquitania. He arrived and disembarked on 04 April 1942 in Pearl Harbor. Later that day he reported to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 as the acting Executive Officer. Capt. Hennessy arrived on Midway via the USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 26 May 1942.
Shortly before 0600 on the morning of 4 Jun 1942 information was received on Midway that enemy aircraft were approaching the atoll. Marine fighters took off to intercept the large force of Japanese aircraft consisting of over 100 fighters, level bombers and dive bombers while Marine, Navy and Army bombers, dive bombers and torpedo planes were vectored to the Japanese carrier force and ordered to attack. Three Marine fighter divisions, Parks, Carey and Curtain were vectored toward the incoming enemy planes while two Marine fighter divisions led by Captains Hennessy and Armistead were sent to a holding area ten miles northwest of Midway to protect against enemy planes coming from another direction. After 25 minutes it was apparent that no other enemy planes were approaching so Hennessy (He led the second division that also included 2d Lt Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Capt. Herbert T. Merrill, 2d Lt.Thomas W. Benson, Capt Phillip R. White, and 2d Lt John DeWitt Lucas), and Armistead's divisions were ordered to also attack the incoming enemy planes. During the first pass on the enemy Major Park's Marine fighters shot down a number of enemy planes. However, the Japanese Zeros quickly overwhelmed the Marine fighters by sheer numbers and vastly superior equipment. By the time Hennessey and Armistead's divisions arrived on the scene Japanese fighters were swarming around the Marine aircraft relentlessly. American losses were steep. Captain Hennessy did not return from this mission and was declared missing in action as of 4 Jun 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. He was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Daniel J. Hennessy (MCSN: 0-5356), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Executive Officer 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 squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Hennessy 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 Hennessy gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
---------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Daniel Joseph Hennessy, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[bio #234 compiled by Gerry Lawton, GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94059
Find A Grave Memorial Page #56110533
Gravesite Details
USMC Entered the service from North Dakota.
