Francis Samuel was the eldest child of Coy Francis Polston and Elsie Marie Larue married on 13 Mar 1919 in Carthage, MO. His siblings were Mary Joan, Warren Larue "George," Virginia Marie, Norma Deane, Dorothy M., and Beverly Polston.
Frank graduated from Minden high school in June 1938, and he was a student at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, KS in 1939. It was his first year. His major was mathematics and his address was Nashville, MO.
Francis S Polston enlisted in the US Navy (NSN: 342-45-77) on 13 May 1941 in Kansas City, MO. Apprentice Seaman (AS) Polston arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego on 27 Aug 1941 from the Naval Training Station, San Diego after he completed recruit training. He was sent to Radioman Class "A" school at NAS San Diego. On 13 Sept 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2c). He completed his Class "A" school and became a Radioman Striker S2c on Christmas Eve 1941, Polston detached from NAS San Diego and transferred to the Receiving Station (RS), Norfolk for assignment by COMTRAINLANT. On 28 Dec 1941, he arrived at the RS, NOB, Norfolk, VA. Several days later on 31 Dec 1941, he was assigned to COMPATWINGSLANT. Shortly thereafter, Polston transferred to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) at NAS Norfolk. VT-8 was embarked on board the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8) in Norfolk, VA.
Shortly after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1941, Hornet began four months of arduous shake-down training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean. Her training nearly completed but with war-time urgency, Hornet, with her embarked air group, weighted anchor and steamed out of Norfolk on 04 Mar 1942 bound for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and arrived at NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck.
On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of Ltcol. Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII. After the attack, Hornet returned to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then with the carrier Enterprise (CV-6) were dispatched to the South Pacific to assist the carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet arrived back in Pearl Harbor on 26 May. On 28 May 1942 Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway and "Point Luck." The Yorktown followed some hours later from Pearl Harbor.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Hornet's Air Group Eight consisting of 59 aircraft took off from her flight deck to attack the Japanese Striking Force approaching the Midway atoll. The Hornet's Air Group, led by CDR Stanhope Ring, flew West instead of Southwest and did not make contact with the enemy fleet. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.” Only Torpedo Squadron Eight's 15 Devastators who had changed course to the Southwest found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover VT-8 was quickly overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles as one by one they were shot down. The torpedo plane piloted by Ens. William W. Creamer and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, S2c Francis S. Polston did not return.
According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same 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.
S2c Polston was subsequently awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Samuel Polston, Seaman Second Class, 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, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET, 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, Seaman Second Class Polston 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.
----------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation reads:
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.
----------------------------------------
An Honor Scroll commemoration was sent by President Roosevelt to the family of Seaman 2/c Polston.
The commemoration reads: In grateful memory of Francis Samuel POLSTON, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), 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
--------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation (Recognizing the Contribution Made by TF-16 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
----------------------------------
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.
-------------
Bio#128 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)
Military Hall of Honor ID: #99991
Detailed bio of Ens. Creamer at Military Hall of Honor #90459
Frank graduated from Minden high school in June 1938, and he was a student at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, KS in 1939. It was his first year. His major was mathematics and his address was Nashville, MO.
Francis S Polston enlisted in the US Navy (NSN: 342-45-77) on 13 May 1941 in Kansas City, MO. Apprentice Seaman (AS) Polston arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego on 27 Aug 1941 from the Naval Training Station, San Diego after he completed recruit training. He was sent to Radioman Class "A" school at NAS San Diego. On 13 Sept 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2c). He completed his Class "A" school and became a Radioman Striker S2c on Christmas Eve 1941, Polston detached from NAS San Diego and transferred to the Receiving Station (RS), Norfolk for assignment by COMTRAINLANT. On 28 Dec 1941, he arrived at the RS, NOB, Norfolk, VA. Several days later on 31 Dec 1941, he was assigned to COMPATWINGSLANT. Shortly thereafter, Polston transferred to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) at NAS Norfolk. VT-8 was embarked on board the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8) in Norfolk, VA.
Shortly after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1941, Hornet began four months of arduous shake-down training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean. Her training nearly completed but with war-time urgency, Hornet, with her embarked air group, weighted anchor and steamed out of Norfolk on 04 Mar 1942 bound for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and arrived at NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck.
On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of Ltcol. Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII. After the attack, Hornet returned to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then with the carrier Enterprise (CV-6) were dispatched to the South Pacific to assist the carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet arrived back in Pearl Harbor on 26 May. On 28 May 1942 Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway and "Point Luck." The Yorktown followed some hours later from Pearl Harbor.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Hornet's Air Group Eight consisting of 59 aircraft took off from her flight deck to attack the Japanese Striking Force approaching the Midway atoll. The Hornet's Air Group, led by CDR Stanhope Ring, flew West instead of Southwest and did not make contact with the enemy fleet. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.” Only Torpedo Squadron Eight's 15 Devastators who had changed course to the Southwest found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover VT-8 was quickly overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles as one by one they were shot down. The torpedo plane piloted by Ens. William W. Creamer and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, S2c Francis S. Polston did not return.
According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same 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.
S2c Polston was subsequently awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Samuel Polston, Seaman Second Class, 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, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET, 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, Seaman Second Class Polston 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.
----------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation reads:
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.
----------------------------------------
An Honor Scroll commemoration was sent by President Roosevelt to the family of Seaman 2/c Polston.
The commemoration reads: In grateful memory of Francis Samuel POLSTON, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), 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
--------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation (Recognizing the Contribution Made by TF-16 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
----------------------------------
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.
-------------
Bio#128 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)
Military Hall of Honor ID: #99991
Detailed bio of Ens. Creamer at Military Hall of Honor #90459
Francis Samuel was the eldest child of Coy Francis Polston and Elsie Marie Larue married on 13 Mar 1919 in Carthage, MO. His siblings were Mary Joan, Warren Larue "George," Virginia Marie, Norma Deane, Dorothy M., and Beverly Polston.
Frank graduated from Minden high school in June 1938, and he was a student at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, KS in 1939. It was his first year. His major was mathematics and his address was Nashville, MO.
Francis S Polston enlisted in the US Navy (NSN: 342-45-77) on 13 May 1941 in Kansas City, MO. Apprentice Seaman (AS) Polston arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego on 27 Aug 1941 from the Naval Training Station, San Diego after he completed recruit training. He was sent to Radioman Class "A" school at NAS San Diego. On 13 Sept 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2c). He completed his Class "A" school and became a Radioman Striker S2c on Christmas Eve 1941, Polston detached from NAS San Diego and transferred to the Receiving Station (RS), Norfolk for assignment by COMTRAINLANT. On 28 Dec 1941, he arrived at the RS, NOB, Norfolk, VA. Several days later on 31 Dec 1941, he was assigned to COMPATWINGSLANT. Shortly thereafter, Polston transferred to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) at NAS Norfolk. VT-8 was embarked on board the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8) in Norfolk, VA.
Shortly after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1941, Hornet began four months of arduous shake-down training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean. Her training nearly completed but with war-time urgency, Hornet, with her embarked air group, weighted anchor and steamed out of Norfolk on 04 Mar 1942 bound for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and arrived at NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck.
On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of Ltcol. Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII. After the attack, Hornet returned to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then with the carrier Enterprise (CV-6) were dispatched to the South Pacific to assist the carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet arrived back in Pearl Harbor on 26 May. On 28 May 1942 Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway and "Point Luck." The Yorktown followed some hours later from Pearl Harbor.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Hornet's Air Group Eight consisting of 59 aircraft took off from her flight deck to attack the Japanese Striking Force approaching the Midway atoll. The Hornet's Air Group, led by CDR Stanhope Ring, flew West instead of Southwest and did not make contact with the enemy fleet. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.” Only Torpedo Squadron Eight's 15 Devastators who had changed course to the Southwest found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover VT-8 was quickly overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles as one by one they were shot down. The torpedo plane piloted by Ens. William W. Creamer and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, S2c Francis S. Polston did not return.
According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same 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.
S2c Polston was subsequently awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Samuel Polston, Seaman Second Class, 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, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET, 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, Seaman Second Class Polston 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.
----------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation reads:
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.
----------------------------------------
An Honor Scroll commemoration was sent by President Roosevelt to the family of Seaman 2/c Polston.
The commemoration reads: In grateful memory of Francis Samuel POLSTON, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), 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
--------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation (Recognizing the Contribution Made by TF-16 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
----------------------------------
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.
-------------
Bio#128 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)
Military Hall of Honor ID: #99991
Detailed bio of Ens. Creamer at Military Hall of Honor #90459
Frank graduated from Minden high school in June 1938, and he was a student at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, KS in 1939. It was his first year. His major was mathematics and his address was Nashville, MO.
Francis S Polston enlisted in the US Navy (NSN: 342-45-77) on 13 May 1941 in Kansas City, MO. Apprentice Seaman (AS) Polston arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego on 27 Aug 1941 from the Naval Training Station, San Diego after he completed recruit training. He was sent to Radioman Class "A" school at NAS San Diego. On 13 Sept 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2c). He completed his Class "A" school and became a Radioman Striker S2c on Christmas Eve 1941, Polston detached from NAS San Diego and transferred to the Receiving Station (RS), Norfolk for assignment by COMTRAINLANT. On 28 Dec 1941, he arrived at the RS, NOB, Norfolk, VA. Several days later on 31 Dec 1941, he was assigned to COMPATWINGSLANT. Shortly thereafter, Polston transferred to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) at NAS Norfolk. VT-8 was embarked on board the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8) in Norfolk, VA.
Shortly after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1941, Hornet began four months of arduous shake-down training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean. Her training nearly completed but with war-time urgency, Hornet, with her embarked air group, weighted anchor and steamed out of Norfolk on 04 Mar 1942 bound for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and arrived at NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck.
On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of Ltcol. Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII. After the attack, Hornet returned to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then with the carrier Enterprise (CV-6) were dispatched to the South Pacific to assist the carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet arrived back in Pearl Harbor on 26 May. On 28 May 1942 Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway and "Point Luck." The Yorktown followed some hours later from Pearl Harbor.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, the Hornet's Air Group Eight consisting of 59 aircraft took off from her flight deck to attack the Japanese Striking Force approaching the Midway atoll. The Hornet's Air Group, led by CDR Stanhope Ring, flew West instead of Southwest and did not make contact with the enemy fleet. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.” Only Torpedo Squadron Eight's 15 Devastators who had changed course to the Southwest found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover VT-8 was quickly overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles as one by one they were shot down. The torpedo plane piloted by Ens. William W. Creamer and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, S2c Francis S. Polston did not return.
According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same 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.
S2c Polston was subsequently awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Samuel Polston, Seaman Second Class, 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, attached to the U.S.S. HORNET, 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, Seaman Second Class Polston 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.
----------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation reads:
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.
----------------------------------------
An Honor Scroll commemoration was sent by President Roosevelt to the family of Seaman 2/c Polston.
The commemoration reads: In grateful memory of Francis Samuel POLSTON, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), 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
--------------------------------------
Task Force 16 Citation (Recognizing the Contribution Made by TF-16 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
----------------------------------
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.
-------------
Bio#128 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)
Military Hall of Honor ID: #99991
Detailed bio of Ens. Creamer at Military Hall of Honor #90459
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Missouri.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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