Carl was the son of Sven Anton Osberg and Augusta Fredericka Johnson who married in Manchester, NH on 02 July 1910. Carl's four siblings were Belinda C. Hawes, Agnes Selma Victoria Fischer, Doris Sophia Colyn, and Vivian Maybelle Tsetsillas. His mother, Augusta, died when Carl was just 6 yrs old. His father never remarried. An aunt helped him raise his children.
Carl graduated from Central High School, Manchester, NH in June 1938. His high school activity resume consisted of College Course, Football Letters, Orpheus, Pinafore, and Elective Chorus. His nickname was Olaf. It's prophetic that his classmates thought this phrase was appropriate to describe him; "Some take the land; some take the sea; I'll take the sky." Carl was accepted at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He began classes in the fall of 1938.
After attending Cornell for several years (he is listed in the WWII serviceman alumni files, class years 1939-1945.), he enlisted, with his father's permission, in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5 aviation program), as a Seaman 2/c (NSN:400 93 92), in Boston on 10 Dec 1940. On 16 Dec 1940, he reported for active duty to begin the Elimination Phase of his flight training at the US Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Boston (Squantum). One month later on 16 Jan 1941, he completed that phase. He was released from active duty and sent home to await further orders. He received orders from the Secretary of the Navy several weeks later to report to the Commander, US Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville (Jax), FL. by 13 Feb 1941.
After arriving at NAS Jax, Osberg was discharged on 14 Feb as Seaman 2/c to accept the next day an appointment as an aviation cadet. He then began Primary Flight Phase instruction at NAS, Pensacola, FL. He was detached on 23 July 1941 from NAS Pensacola and was transferred to NAS Miami, FL to begin about six weeks (85 hours) of advanced training involving flying for carrier-bound cadets. Successfully completing his aviation training, Osberg earned his gold wings as a naval aviator in August 1941, and he received a commission as an Ensign, A-V (N), United States Naval Reserve, on 12 Sept 1941. He reported to the Advanced Carrier Training Group, Pacific Fleet in San Diego, CA on 5 October 1941. He detached from that command on 4 Nov and reported to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embarked USS Saratoga (CV-3) on 05 Nov 1941 for duty in San Diego.
Saratoga was in a refit/overhaul status most of 1941, therefore, her attached squadrons, including VT-3, were based at various Naval Air Stations in Hawaii or the west coast. On 07 Dec 1941, Saratoga was entering San Diego to embark her air group, which were ashore while she was undergoing refit. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga became the flagship of an unsuccessful American effort to relieve Wake Island. A few weeks later on 11 Jan 1942 Saratoga was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. She steamed to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She returned to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. During the yard period Saratoga's embarked squadrons were transferred elsewhere. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii while Saratoga was in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA.
On 28 May 1942, the squadron was reassigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5). Air Group Three aviation squadrons flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the navigation chart nicknamed "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was steaming from Japan to attack Midway Island.
About a week later on 4 June 1942 Ensign Osberg and his gunner ARM3 Richard Matthew Hanson, took off from the USS Yorktown (CV-5) with other elements of the Yorktown air group to attack the Japanese Striking Forces approaching Midway. Although they had some friendly fighter protection enroute to their targets VT-3 had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack. Ens. Osberg and Petty Officer Hanson did not return from this mission, and they were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. About 17 Jun 1942, the Navy Department notified Osberg's family via telegram that he was missing in the service of his country. On 5 Jun 1943, Ensign Osberg was "presumed" dead.
Ens. Osberg was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carl A.Osberg, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Osberg, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Osberg. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Carl A. Osberg, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 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
------------------------------------
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 is the Air Medal.
---------------------------
The USS Osberg (DE-538) was named in his honor. USS Osberg was a John C. Butler class destroyer escort was launched on 7 Dec 1943 and commissioned on 10 Dec 1945. She was decommissioned in 1947. She was recommissioned on 26 Feb 1951 for Korean War service. Osberg was decommissioned a second time on 25 Feb 1958 and struck from the Naval Register of Ships on 1 Aug 1972. She was sold for scrap on 5 Feb 1974.
[Bio #169 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#99210
Carl graduated from Central High School, Manchester, NH in June 1938. His high school activity resume consisted of College Course, Football Letters, Orpheus, Pinafore, and Elective Chorus. His nickname was Olaf. It's prophetic that his classmates thought this phrase was appropriate to describe him; "Some take the land; some take the sea; I'll take the sky." Carl was accepted at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He began classes in the fall of 1938.
After attending Cornell for several years (he is listed in the WWII serviceman alumni files, class years 1939-1945.), he enlisted, with his father's permission, in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5 aviation program), as a Seaman 2/c (NSN:400 93 92), in Boston on 10 Dec 1940. On 16 Dec 1940, he reported for active duty to begin the Elimination Phase of his flight training at the US Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Boston (Squantum). One month later on 16 Jan 1941, he completed that phase. He was released from active duty and sent home to await further orders. He received orders from the Secretary of the Navy several weeks later to report to the Commander, US Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville (Jax), FL. by 13 Feb 1941.
After arriving at NAS Jax, Osberg was discharged on 14 Feb as Seaman 2/c to accept the next day an appointment as an aviation cadet. He then began Primary Flight Phase instruction at NAS, Pensacola, FL. He was detached on 23 July 1941 from NAS Pensacola and was transferred to NAS Miami, FL to begin about six weeks (85 hours) of advanced training involving flying for carrier-bound cadets. Successfully completing his aviation training, Osberg earned his gold wings as a naval aviator in August 1941, and he received a commission as an Ensign, A-V (N), United States Naval Reserve, on 12 Sept 1941. He reported to the Advanced Carrier Training Group, Pacific Fleet in San Diego, CA on 5 October 1941. He detached from that command on 4 Nov and reported to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embarked USS Saratoga (CV-3) on 05 Nov 1941 for duty in San Diego.
Saratoga was in a refit/overhaul status most of 1941, therefore, her attached squadrons, including VT-3, were based at various Naval Air Stations in Hawaii or the west coast. On 07 Dec 1941, Saratoga was entering San Diego to embark her air group, which were ashore while she was undergoing refit. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga became the flagship of an unsuccessful American effort to relieve Wake Island. A few weeks later on 11 Jan 1942 Saratoga was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. She steamed to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She returned to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. During the yard period Saratoga's embarked squadrons were transferred elsewhere. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii while Saratoga was in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA.
On 28 May 1942, the squadron was reassigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5). Air Group Three aviation squadrons flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the navigation chart nicknamed "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was steaming from Japan to attack Midway Island.
About a week later on 4 June 1942 Ensign Osberg and his gunner ARM3 Richard Matthew Hanson, took off from the USS Yorktown (CV-5) with other elements of the Yorktown air group to attack the Japanese Striking Forces approaching Midway. Although they had some friendly fighter protection enroute to their targets VT-3 had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack. Ens. Osberg and Petty Officer Hanson did not return from this mission, and they were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. About 17 Jun 1942, the Navy Department notified Osberg's family via telegram that he was missing in the service of his country. On 5 Jun 1943, Ensign Osberg was "presumed" dead.
Ens. Osberg was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carl A.Osberg, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Osberg, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Osberg. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Carl A. Osberg, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 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
------------------------------------
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 is the Air Medal.
---------------------------
The USS Osberg (DE-538) was named in his honor. USS Osberg was a John C. Butler class destroyer escort was launched on 7 Dec 1943 and commissioned on 10 Dec 1945. She was decommissioned in 1947. She was recommissioned on 26 Feb 1951 for Korean War service. Osberg was decommissioned a second time on 25 Feb 1958 and struck from the Naval Register of Ships on 1 Aug 1972. She was sold for scrap on 5 Feb 1974.
[Bio #169 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#99210
Carl was the son of Sven Anton Osberg and Augusta Fredericka Johnson who married in Manchester, NH on 02 July 1910. Carl's four siblings were Belinda C. Hawes, Agnes Selma Victoria Fischer, Doris Sophia Colyn, and Vivian Maybelle Tsetsillas. His mother, Augusta, died when Carl was just 6 yrs old. His father never remarried. An aunt helped him raise his children.
Carl graduated from Central High School, Manchester, NH in June 1938. His high school activity resume consisted of College Course, Football Letters, Orpheus, Pinafore, and Elective Chorus. His nickname was Olaf. It's prophetic that his classmates thought this phrase was appropriate to describe him; "Some take the land; some take the sea; I'll take the sky." Carl was accepted at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He began classes in the fall of 1938.
After attending Cornell for several years (he is listed in the WWII serviceman alumni files, class years 1939-1945.), he enlisted, with his father's permission, in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5 aviation program), as a Seaman 2/c (NSN:400 93 92), in Boston on 10 Dec 1940. On 16 Dec 1940, he reported for active duty to begin the Elimination Phase of his flight training at the US Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Boston (Squantum). One month later on 16 Jan 1941, he completed that phase. He was released from active duty and sent home to await further orders. He received orders from the Secretary of the Navy several weeks later to report to the Commander, US Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville (Jax), FL. by 13 Feb 1941.
After arriving at NAS Jax, Osberg was discharged on 14 Feb as Seaman 2/c to accept the next day an appointment as an aviation cadet. He then began Primary Flight Phase instruction at NAS, Pensacola, FL. He was detached on 23 July 1941 from NAS Pensacola and was transferred to NAS Miami, FL to begin about six weeks (85 hours) of advanced training involving flying for carrier-bound cadets. Successfully completing his aviation training, Osberg earned his gold wings as a naval aviator in August 1941, and he received a commission as an Ensign, A-V (N), United States Naval Reserve, on 12 Sept 1941. He reported to the Advanced Carrier Training Group, Pacific Fleet in San Diego, CA on 5 October 1941. He detached from that command on 4 Nov and reported to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embarked USS Saratoga (CV-3) on 05 Nov 1941 for duty in San Diego.
Saratoga was in a refit/overhaul status most of 1941, therefore, her attached squadrons, including VT-3, were based at various Naval Air Stations in Hawaii or the west coast. On 07 Dec 1941, Saratoga was entering San Diego to embark her air group, which were ashore while she was undergoing refit. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga became the flagship of an unsuccessful American effort to relieve Wake Island. A few weeks later on 11 Jan 1942 Saratoga was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. She steamed to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She returned to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. During the yard period Saratoga's embarked squadrons were transferred elsewhere. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii while Saratoga was in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA.
On 28 May 1942, the squadron was reassigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5). Air Group Three aviation squadrons flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the navigation chart nicknamed "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was steaming from Japan to attack Midway Island.
About a week later on 4 June 1942 Ensign Osberg and his gunner ARM3 Richard Matthew Hanson, took off from the USS Yorktown (CV-5) with other elements of the Yorktown air group to attack the Japanese Striking Forces approaching Midway. Although they had some friendly fighter protection enroute to their targets VT-3 had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack. Ens. Osberg and Petty Officer Hanson did not return from this mission, and they were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. About 17 Jun 1942, the Navy Department notified Osberg's family via telegram that he was missing in the service of his country. On 5 Jun 1943, Ensign Osberg was "presumed" dead.
Ens. Osberg was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carl A.Osberg, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Osberg, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Osberg. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Carl A. Osberg, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 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
------------------------------------
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 is the Air Medal.
---------------------------
The USS Osberg (DE-538) was named in his honor. USS Osberg was a John C. Butler class destroyer escort was launched on 7 Dec 1943 and commissioned on 10 Dec 1945. She was decommissioned in 1947. She was recommissioned on 26 Feb 1951 for Korean War service. Osberg was decommissioned a second time on 25 Feb 1958 and struck from the Naval Register of Ships on 1 Aug 1972. She was sold for scrap on 5 Feb 1974.
[Bio #169 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#99210
Carl graduated from Central High School, Manchester, NH in June 1938. His high school activity resume consisted of College Course, Football Letters, Orpheus, Pinafore, and Elective Chorus. His nickname was Olaf. It's prophetic that his classmates thought this phrase was appropriate to describe him; "Some take the land; some take the sea; I'll take the sky." Carl was accepted at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He began classes in the fall of 1938.
After attending Cornell for several years (he is listed in the WWII serviceman alumni files, class years 1939-1945.), he enlisted, with his father's permission, in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5 aviation program), as a Seaman 2/c (NSN:400 93 92), in Boston on 10 Dec 1940. On 16 Dec 1940, he reported for active duty to begin the Elimination Phase of his flight training at the US Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Boston (Squantum). One month later on 16 Jan 1941, he completed that phase. He was released from active duty and sent home to await further orders. He received orders from the Secretary of the Navy several weeks later to report to the Commander, US Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville (Jax), FL. by 13 Feb 1941.
After arriving at NAS Jax, Osberg was discharged on 14 Feb as Seaman 2/c to accept the next day an appointment as an aviation cadet. He then began Primary Flight Phase instruction at NAS, Pensacola, FL. He was detached on 23 July 1941 from NAS Pensacola and was transferred to NAS Miami, FL to begin about six weeks (85 hours) of advanced training involving flying for carrier-bound cadets. Successfully completing his aviation training, Osberg earned his gold wings as a naval aviator in August 1941, and he received a commission as an Ensign, A-V (N), United States Naval Reserve, on 12 Sept 1941. He reported to the Advanced Carrier Training Group, Pacific Fleet in San Diego, CA on 5 October 1941. He detached from that command on 4 Nov and reported to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embarked USS Saratoga (CV-3) on 05 Nov 1941 for duty in San Diego.
Saratoga was in a refit/overhaul status most of 1941, therefore, her attached squadrons, including VT-3, were based at various Naval Air Stations in Hawaii or the west coast. On 07 Dec 1941, Saratoga was entering San Diego to embark her air group, which were ashore while she was undergoing refit. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga became the flagship of an unsuccessful American effort to relieve Wake Island. A few weeks later on 11 Jan 1942 Saratoga was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. She steamed to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She returned to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. During the yard period Saratoga's embarked squadrons were transferred elsewhere. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii while Saratoga was in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA.
On 28 May 1942, the squadron was reassigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5). Air Group Three aviation squadrons flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the navigation chart nicknamed "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was steaming from Japan to attack Midway Island.
About a week later on 4 June 1942 Ensign Osberg and his gunner ARM3 Richard Matthew Hanson, took off from the USS Yorktown (CV-5) with other elements of the Yorktown air group to attack the Japanese Striking Forces approaching Midway. Although they had some friendly fighter protection enroute to their targets VT-3 had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack. Ens. Osberg and Petty Officer Hanson did not return from this mission, and they were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. About 17 Jun 1942, the Navy Department notified Osberg's family via telegram that he was missing in the service of his country. On 5 Jun 1943, Ensign Osberg was "presumed" dead.
Ens. Osberg was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carl A.Osberg, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Osberg, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Ensign Osberg. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Carl A. Osberg, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 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
------------------------------------
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 is the Air Medal.
---------------------------
The USS Osberg (DE-538) was named in his honor. USS Osberg was a John C. Butler class destroyer escort was launched on 7 Dec 1943 and commissioned on 10 Dec 1945. She was decommissioned in 1947. She was recommissioned on 26 Feb 1951 for Korean War service. Osberg was decommissioned a second time on 25 Feb 1958 and struck from the Naval Register of Ships on 1 Aug 1972. She was sold for scrap on 5 Feb 1974.
[Bio #169 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47]
Military Hall of Honor ID#99210
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