LANGDON KELLOGG FIEBERLING was the son of Charles August Fieberling and Mary Louise Kellogg who were secretly married in San Jose, CA on 04 July 1908. His only sibling was Charles Dewitt Fieberling. Langdon graduated from the Oakland Technical high school about 1928. On 09 Jan 1929, Langdon joined the crew of the merchant vessel S.S. Absaroka in San Francisco as an ordinary seaman. After the ship made a port call in San Juan, Puerto Rico she arrived in New York on 12 Feb 1929. Later that year Langdon entered the University of California at Berkeley and joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. During the summer break at the end of his freshman year in college, Langdon again signed on to the crew of the S.S. Absaroka in San Francisco as an ordinary seaman on 26 July 1930. After a port call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the ship departed for New York on 15 Aug and arrived there on 25 Aug 1930. Langdon returned to college and graduated from UC Berkeley about 1934.
In June 1941, Langdon became engaged to Mrs Dixie Cavalier Carlisle. They were to be married during Langdon's next leave after June 1942. Dixie Cavalier married Burlington Morris Carlisle on 09 Mar 1938 in Piedmont, CA. They were divorced in 1941. Burlington and Langdon were fraternity brothers.
------------------------
Langdon enlisted in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5) on 07 Oct 1935 at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda, CA. He was ordered to temporary active service for Elimination Flight training at Alameda. After successfully completing his initial flight training, Fieberling received orders home to await further instruction. Early the following year he received orders to report to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to begin the intermediate phase of his flight training.
On 26 Jun, he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet. Fieberling accepted that appointment on 27 Jun 1936. He completed his flight training, received his gold wings as naval aviator #5104, and he accepted a commissioned as an Ensign A-V(N), US Naval Reserve on 01 Mar 1937.
He received a promotion to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 Mar 1940 and to Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942. On 01 April 1940, Fieberling was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL as an instructor. He was detached from NAS Pensacola in July 1941 and transferred to a new aviation squadron being formed at NAS Norfolk, VA; Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8).
On 21 May 1942, he sailed as a passenger on board the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor with a detachment of Torpedo Eight Squadron (VT-8) that was delivering 20 new TBF-1 torpedo bombers (later called Avengers) to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). The detachment arrived in Pearl Harbor one day after the Hornet steamed for Midway. On 31 May 1942, he received temporary duty orders placing him in charge of six aircrews and their torpedo planes. He was to report to Commander Base Air Defense (Midway).
The repositioning of this detachment was an effort by the Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet to bolster Midway's defenses against an expected Japanese air assault. On 01 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment departed Hawaii. He led his detachment of six planes across 1200 miles of open ocean. It was the longest open-ocean flight of that time.
They arrived at Midway later that same day after eight hours of flight time. Several days later in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment roared into the early dawn from NAS Midway. After about an hour and a half of flight, the detachment sighted the enemy fleet. As the torpedo bombers made their attack runs toward the Japanese fleet, and with no protective fighter cover, they were overwhelmed by enemy fighters. However, they continued to press forward, but within moments five of the six TBF-1 aircraft were shot down. Of 18 crewmembers on board the six planes only two survived; Ens Albert Earnest and his radioman, RM3 Harry Ferrier.
Lt Fieberling's remains and those of his crew were unrecoverable. He was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. The 2 crewman that flew with him on June 4 were Ens Jack Winton Wilke (VP-24) navigator, and Radioman Second Class Arthur Raymond Osborn.
Later in the battle the main body of Torpedo Eight flying 15 TBD-1 Devastators from Hornet were also shot down with a loss of all 15 aircraft and 29 of the 30 crewman. That day Torpedo Squadron Eight lost 45 of the 48 aircrew and 20 of the 21 planes that flew against the Japanese fleet.
------------------------------
Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, June 30, 1942
Lt Fieberling 'Lost in Action' - Pilot of Torpedo Plane 'Missing,' Navy Tells Parents
Lieutenant Langdon K Fieberling, 32, torpedo plane pilot, is listed as "missing in action" according to information received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles A Fieberling, 632 Wesley Avenue, from the Navy Department. A native of Oakland, Fieberling was a graduate of Technical High School and the University of California. He was trained at the Alameda Naval Air Station and at Pensacola, Fla., where he was instructor for two years. He recently became a squadron commander, according to his father who is chief clerk for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Fieberling visited his home a month ago after three and a half years absence. His brother, Charles, 29, enlisted in the Navy during this visit. Charles' wife is the former Betty Abbott whose brother, William Abbott is the son of Mr and Mrs C.W. Abbott, 60 Glenwood Glade. Fieberling is the nephew of Walter Fieberling, court clerk for Police Judge Chris B. Fox.
------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Flight Leader in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT, embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Fieberling led his flight in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)
-------------------------------------------
The USS Fieberling (DE-640) was named in his honor. Fieberling (DE-640) was launched 2 April 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. C. A. Fieberling, mother of Lieutenant Fieberling; and commissioned 11 April 1944.
Fieberling arrived at Pearl Harbor 27 June 1944 for escort duty to Eniwetok, making three such voyages to the staging ground for the Marianas operation until 3 September. Five days later she sailed for Manus and Purvis Bay, arriving 27 September. Until 15 December, she sailed out of Port Purvis on escort and air-sea rescue duty, then served as station ship at Funafuti until 17 February 1945.
After amphibious landing rehearsals at Guadalcanal, Fieberling arrived at Ulithi 21 March 1945 to load stores and ammunition for the assault on Okinawa. She arrived off the island 31 March, covered the landings the next day, and then served on antisubmarine patrol off the island receiving damage from a near miss in the massive kamikaze raids of 6 April. After escorting a convoy of unloaded assault ships to Saipan between 9 and 29 April, Fieberling returned to Okinawa for patrol, escort, and radar picket duty until 28 June.
Fieberling operated on escort duty between Okinawa and Guam and Saipan until 22 October 1945, when she sailed to escort a transport from Saipan to Japan. She returned to Portland, Oreg., 22 November, and after overhaul, sailed from San Diego 15 March 1946 for occupation duty off the Chinese coast. Back in San Diego 13 August, she operated along the west coast and in the Hawaiian Islands, testing experimental equipment, until decommissioned 13 March 1948 and placed in reserve at San Diego.
Fieberling received one battle star for World War II service.
(USS Fieberling history courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.)
------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Torpedo Squadron Eight 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
His family received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Lt Fieberling. The commemoration reads:
In grateful memory of Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, who died in the service of his country at Midway Island on 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
-------------------------------------------
The other two aircrew on his plane were *Ens Jack Winton Wilke - Bombardier/Navigator (R/B)
RM2 Arthur Raymond Osborn - Radioman/Turret Gunner (TG)
------------------------------------
[bio #71 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Lt. Fieberling Military Hall of Honor Honoree #91983
In June 1941, Langdon became engaged to Mrs Dixie Cavalier Carlisle. They were to be married during Langdon's next leave after June 1942. Dixie Cavalier married Burlington Morris Carlisle on 09 Mar 1938 in Piedmont, CA. They were divorced in 1941. Burlington and Langdon were fraternity brothers.
------------------------
Langdon enlisted in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5) on 07 Oct 1935 at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda, CA. He was ordered to temporary active service for Elimination Flight training at Alameda. After successfully completing his initial flight training, Fieberling received orders home to await further instruction. Early the following year he received orders to report to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to begin the intermediate phase of his flight training.
On 26 Jun, he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet. Fieberling accepted that appointment on 27 Jun 1936. He completed his flight training, received his gold wings as naval aviator #5104, and he accepted a commissioned as an Ensign A-V(N), US Naval Reserve on 01 Mar 1937.
He received a promotion to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 Mar 1940 and to Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942. On 01 April 1940, Fieberling was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL as an instructor. He was detached from NAS Pensacola in July 1941 and transferred to a new aviation squadron being formed at NAS Norfolk, VA; Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8).
On 21 May 1942, he sailed as a passenger on board the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor with a detachment of Torpedo Eight Squadron (VT-8) that was delivering 20 new TBF-1 torpedo bombers (later called Avengers) to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). The detachment arrived in Pearl Harbor one day after the Hornet steamed for Midway. On 31 May 1942, he received temporary duty orders placing him in charge of six aircrews and their torpedo planes. He was to report to Commander Base Air Defense (Midway).
The repositioning of this detachment was an effort by the Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet to bolster Midway's defenses against an expected Japanese air assault. On 01 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment departed Hawaii. He led his detachment of six planes across 1200 miles of open ocean. It was the longest open-ocean flight of that time.
They arrived at Midway later that same day after eight hours of flight time. Several days later in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment roared into the early dawn from NAS Midway. After about an hour and a half of flight, the detachment sighted the enemy fleet. As the torpedo bombers made their attack runs toward the Japanese fleet, and with no protective fighter cover, they were overwhelmed by enemy fighters. However, they continued to press forward, but within moments five of the six TBF-1 aircraft were shot down. Of 18 crewmembers on board the six planes only two survived; Ens Albert Earnest and his radioman, RM3 Harry Ferrier.
Lt Fieberling's remains and those of his crew were unrecoverable. He was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. The 2 crewman that flew with him on June 4 were Ens Jack Winton Wilke (VP-24) navigator, and Radioman Second Class Arthur Raymond Osborn.
Later in the battle the main body of Torpedo Eight flying 15 TBD-1 Devastators from Hornet were also shot down with a loss of all 15 aircraft and 29 of the 30 crewman. That day Torpedo Squadron Eight lost 45 of the 48 aircrew and 20 of the 21 planes that flew against the Japanese fleet.
------------------------------
Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, June 30, 1942
Lt Fieberling 'Lost in Action' - Pilot of Torpedo Plane 'Missing,' Navy Tells Parents
Lieutenant Langdon K Fieberling, 32, torpedo plane pilot, is listed as "missing in action" according to information received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles A Fieberling, 632 Wesley Avenue, from the Navy Department. A native of Oakland, Fieberling was a graduate of Technical High School and the University of California. He was trained at the Alameda Naval Air Station and at Pensacola, Fla., where he was instructor for two years. He recently became a squadron commander, according to his father who is chief clerk for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Fieberling visited his home a month ago after three and a half years absence. His brother, Charles, 29, enlisted in the Navy during this visit. Charles' wife is the former Betty Abbott whose brother, William Abbott is the son of Mr and Mrs C.W. Abbott, 60 Glenwood Glade. Fieberling is the nephew of Walter Fieberling, court clerk for Police Judge Chris B. Fox.
------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Flight Leader in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT, embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Fieberling led his flight in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)
-------------------------------------------
The USS Fieberling (DE-640) was named in his honor. Fieberling (DE-640) was launched 2 April 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. C. A. Fieberling, mother of Lieutenant Fieberling; and commissioned 11 April 1944.
Fieberling arrived at Pearl Harbor 27 June 1944 for escort duty to Eniwetok, making three such voyages to the staging ground for the Marianas operation until 3 September. Five days later she sailed for Manus and Purvis Bay, arriving 27 September. Until 15 December, she sailed out of Port Purvis on escort and air-sea rescue duty, then served as station ship at Funafuti until 17 February 1945.
After amphibious landing rehearsals at Guadalcanal, Fieberling arrived at Ulithi 21 March 1945 to load stores and ammunition for the assault on Okinawa. She arrived off the island 31 March, covered the landings the next day, and then served on antisubmarine patrol off the island receiving damage from a near miss in the massive kamikaze raids of 6 April. After escorting a convoy of unloaded assault ships to Saipan between 9 and 29 April, Fieberling returned to Okinawa for patrol, escort, and radar picket duty until 28 June.
Fieberling operated on escort duty between Okinawa and Guam and Saipan until 22 October 1945, when she sailed to escort a transport from Saipan to Japan. She returned to Portland, Oreg., 22 November, and after overhaul, sailed from San Diego 15 March 1946 for occupation duty off the Chinese coast. Back in San Diego 13 August, she operated along the west coast and in the Hawaiian Islands, testing experimental equipment, until decommissioned 13 March 1948 and placed in reserve at San Diego.
Fieberling received one battle star for World War II service.
(USS Fieberling history courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.)
------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Torpedo Squadron Eight 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
His family received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Lt Fieberling. The commemoration reads:
In grateful memory of Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, who died in the service of his country at Midway Island on 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
-------------------------------------------
The other two aircrew on his plane were *Ens Jack Winton Wilke - Bombardier/Navigator (R/B)
RM2 Arthur Raymond Osborn - Radioman/Turret Gunner (TG)
------------------------------------
[bio #71 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Lt. Fieberling Military Hall of Honor Honoree #91983
LANGDON KELLOGG FIEBERLING was the son of Charles August Fieberling and Mary Louise Kellogg who were secretly married in San Jose, CA on 04 July 1908. His only sibling was Charles Dewitt Fieberling. Langdon graduated from the Oakland Technical high school about 1928. On 09 Jan 1929, Langdon joined the crew of the merchant vessel S.S. Absaroka in San Francisco as an ordinary seaman. After the ship made a port call in San Juan, Puerto Rico she arrived in New York on 12 Feb 1929. Later that year Langdon entered the University of California at Berkeley and joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. During the summer break at the end of his freshman year in college, Langdon again signed on to the crew of the S.S. Absaroka in San Francisco as an ordinary seaman on 26 July 1930. After a port call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the ship departed for New York on 15 Aug and arrived there on 25 Aug 1930. Langdon returned to college and graduated from UC Berkeley about 1934.
In June 1941, Langdon became engaged to Mrs Dixie Cavalier Carlisle. They were to be married during Langdon's next leave after June 1942. Dixie Cavalier married Burlington Morris Carlisle on 09 Mar 1938 in Piedmont, CA. They were divorced in 1941. Burlington and Langdon were fraternity brothers.
------------------------
Langdon enlisted in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5) on 07 Oct 1935 at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda, CA. He was ordered to temporary active service for Elimination Flight training at Alameda. After successfully completing his initial flight training, Fieberling received orders home to await further instruction. Early the following year he received orders to report to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to begin the intermediate phase of his flight training.
On 26 Jun, he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet. Fieberling accepted that appointment on 27 Jun 1936. He completed his flight training, received his gold wings as naval aviator #5104, and he accepted a commissioned as an Ensign A-V(N), US Naval Reserve on 01 Mar 1937.
He received a promotion to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 Mar 1940 and to Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942. On 01 April 1940, Fieberling was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL as an instructor. He was detached from NAS Pensacola in July 1941 and transferred to a new aviation squadron being formed at NAS Norfolk, VA; Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8).
On 21 May 1942, he sailed as a passenger on board the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor with a detachment of Torpedo Eight Squadron (VT-8) that was delivering 20 new TBF-1 torpedo bombers (later called Avengers) to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). The detachment arrived in Pearl Harbor one day after the Hornet steamed for Midway. On 31 May 1942, he received temporary duty orders placing him in charge of six aircrews and their torpedo planes. He was to report to Commander Base Air Defense (Midway).
The repositioning of this detachment was an effort by the Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet to bolster Midway's defenses against an expected Japanese air assault. On 01 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment departed Hawaii. He led his detachment of six planes across 1200 miles of open ocean. It was the longest open-ocean flight of that time.
They arrived at Midway later that same day after eight hours of flight time. Several days later in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment roared into the early dawn from NAS Midway. After about an hour and a half of flight, the detachment sighted the enemy fleet. As the torpedo bombers made their attack runs toward the Japanese fleet, and with no protective fighter cover, they were overwhelmed by enemy fighters. However, they continued to press forward, but within moments five of the six TBF-1 aircraft were shot down. Of 18 crewmembers on board the six planes only two survived; Ens Albert Earnest and his radioman, RM3 Harry Ferrier.
Lt Fieberling's remains and those of his crew were unrecoverable. He was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. The 2 crewman that flew with him on June 4 were Ens Jack Winton Wilke (VP-24) navigator, and Radioman Second Class Arthur Raymond Osborn.
Later in the battle the main body of Torpedo Eight flying 15 TBD-1 Devastators from Hornet were also shot down with a loss of all 15 aircraft and 29 of the 30 crewman. That day Torpedo Squadron Eight lost 45 of the 48 aircrew and 20 of the 21 planes that flew against the Japanese fleet.
------------------------------
Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, June 30, 1942
Lt Fieberling 'Lost in Action' - Pilot of Torpedo Plane 'Missing,' Navy Tells Parents
Lieutenant Langdon K Fieberling, 32, torpedo plane pilot, is listed as "missing in action" according to information received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles A Fieberling, 632 Wesley Avenue, from the Navy Department. A native of Oakland, Fieberling was a graduate of Technical High School and the University of California. He was trained at the Alameda Naval Air Station and at Pensacola, Fla., where he was instructor for two years. He recently became a squadron commander, according to his father who is chief clerk for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Fieberling visited his home a month ago after three and a half years absence. His brother, Charles, 29, enlisted in the Navy during this visit. Charles' wife is the former Betty Abbott whose brother, William Abbott is the son of Mr and Mrs C.W. Abbott, 60 Glenwood Glade. Fieberling is the nephew of Walter Fieberling, court clerk for Police Judge Chris B. Fox.
------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Flight Leader in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT, embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Fieberling led his flight in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)
-------------------------------------------
The USS Fieberling (DE-640) was named in his honor. Fieberling (DE-640) was launched 2 April 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. C. A. Fieberling, mother of Lieutenant Fieberling; and commissioned 11 April 1944.
Fieberling arrived at Pearl Harbor 27 June 1944 for escort duty to Eniwetok, making three such voyages to the staging ground for the Marianas operation until 3 September. Five days later she sailed for Manus and Purvis Bay, arriving 27 September. Until 15 December, she sailed out of Port Purvis on escort and air-sea rescue duty, then served as station ship at Funafuti until 17 February 1945.
After amphibious landing rehearsals at Guadalcanal, Fieberling arrived at Ulithi 21 March 1945 to load stores and ammunition for the assault on Okinawa. She arrived off the island 31 March, covered the landings the next day, and then served on antisubmarine patrol off the island receiving damage from a near miss in the massive kamikaze raids of 6 April. After escorting a convoy of unloaded assault ships to Saipan between 9 and 29 April, Fieberling returned to Okinawa for patrol, escort, and radar picket duty until 28 June.
Fieberling operated on escort duty between Okinawa and Guam and Saipan until 22 October 1945, when she sailed to escort a transport from Saipan to Japan. She returned to Portland, Oreg., 22 November, and after overhaul, sailed from San Diego 15 March 1946 for occupation duty off the Chinese coast. Back in San Diego 13 August, she operated along the west coast and in the Hawaiian Islands, testing experimental equipment, until decommissioned 13 March 1948 and placed in reserve at San Diego.
Fieberling received one battle star for World War II service.
(USS Fieberling history courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.)
------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Torpedo Squadron Eight 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
His family received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Lt Fieberling. The commemoration reads:
In grateful memory of Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, who died in the service of his country at Midway Island on 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
-------------------------------------------
The other two aircrew on his plane were *Ens Jack Winton Wilke - Bombardier/Navigator (R/B)
RM2 Arthur Raymond Osborn - Radioman/Turret Gunner (TG)
------------------------------------
[bio #71 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Lt. Fieberling Military Hall of Honor Honoree #91983
In June 1941, Langdon became engaged to Mrs Dixie Cavalier Carlisle. They were to be married during Langdon's next leave after June 1942. Dixie Cavalier married Burlington Morris Carlisle on 09 Mar 1938 in Piedmont, CA. They were divorced in 1941. Burlington and Langdon were fraternity brothers.
------------------------
Langdon enlisted in the US Naval Reserve Flight Training Program (V-5) on 07 Oct 1935 at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda, CA. He was ordered to temporary active service for Elimination Flight training at Alameda. After successfully completing his initial flight training, Fieberling received orders home to await further instruction. Early the following year he received orders to report to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to begin the intermediate phase of his flight training.
On 26 Jun, he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet. Fieberling accepted that appointment on 27 Jun 1936. He completed his flight training, received his gold wings as naval aviator #5104, and he accepted a commissioned as an Ensign A-V(N), US Naval Reserve on 01 Mar 1937.
He received a promotion to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 Mar 1940 and to Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942. On 01 April 1940, Fieberling was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL as an instructor. He was detached from NAS Pensacola in July 1941 and transferred to a new aviation squadron being formed at NAS Norfolk, VA; Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8).
On 21 May 1942, he sailed as a passenger on board the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor with a detachment of Torpedo Eight Squadron (VT-8) that was delivering 20 new TBF-1 torpedo bombers (later called Avengers) to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). The detachment arrived in Pearl Harbor one day after the Hornet steamed for Midway. On 31 May 1942, he received temporary duty orders placing him in charge of six aircrews and their torpedo planes. He was to report to Commander Base Air Defense (Midway).
The repositioning of this detachment was an effort by the Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet to bolster Midway's defenses against an expected Japanese air assault. On 01 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment departed Hawaii. He led his detachment of six planes across 1200 miles of open ocean. It was the longest open-ocean flight of that time.
They arrived at Midway later that same day after eight hours of flight time. Several days later in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942, Lt Fieberling's detachment roared into the early dawn from NAS Midway. After about an hour and a half of flight, the detachment sighted the enemy fleet. As the torpedo bombers made their attack runs toward the Japanese fleet, and with no protective fighter cover, they were overwhelmed by enemy fighters. However, they continued to press forward, but within moments five of the six TBF-1 aircraft were shot down. Of 18 crewmembers on board the six planes only two survived; Ens Albert Earnest and his radioman, RM3 Harry Ferrier.
Lt Fieberling's remains and those of his crew were unrecoverable. He was awarded (Posthumously) the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. The 2 crewman that flew with him on June 4 were Ens Jack Winton Wilke (VP-24) navigator, and Radioman Second Class Arthur Raymond Osborn.
Later in the battle the main body of Torpedo Eight flying 15 TBD-1 Devastators from Hornet were also shot down with a loss of all 15 aircraft and 29 of the 30 crewman. That day Torpedo Squadron Eight lost 45 of the 48 aircrew and 20 of the 21 planes that flew against the Japanese fleet.
------------------------------
Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, June 30, 1942
Lt Fieberling 'Lost in Action' - Pilot of Torpedo Plane 'Missing,' Navy Tells Parents
Lieutenant Langdon K Fieberling, 32, torpedo plane pilot, is listed as "missing in action" according to information received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs Charles A Fieberling, 632 Wesley Avenue, from the Navy Department. A native of Oakland, Fieberling was a graduate of Technical High School and the University of California. He was trained at the Alameda Naval Air Station and at Pensacola, Fla., where he was instructor for two years. He recently became a squadron commander, according to his father who is chief clerk for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Fieberling visited his home a month ago after three and a half years absence. His brother, Charles, 29, enlisted in the Navy during this visit. Charles' wife is the former Betty Abbott whose brother, William Abbott is the son of Mr and Mrs C.W. Abbott, 60 Glenwood Glade. Fieberling is the nephew of Walter Fieberling, court clerk for Police Judge Chris B. Fox.
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Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Flight Leader in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT, embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Fieberling led his flight in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)
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The USS Fieberling (DE-640) was named in his honor. Fieberling (DE-640) was launched 2 April 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. C. A. Fieberling, mother of Lieutenant Fieberling; and commissioned 11 April 1944.
Fieberling arrived at Pearl Harbor 27 June 1944 for escort duty to Eniwetok, making three such voyages to the staging ground for the Marianas operation until 3 September. Five days later she sailed for Manus and Purvis Bay, arriving 27 September. Until 15 December, she sailed out of Port Purvis on escort and air-sea rescue duty, then served as station ship at Funafuti until 17 February 1945.
After amphibious landing rehearsals at Guadalcanal, Fieberling arrived at Ulithi 21 March 1945 to load stores and ammunition for the assault on Okinawa. She arrived off the island 31 March, covered the landings the next day, and then served on antisubmarine patrol off the island receiving damage from a near miss in the massive kamikaze raids of 6 April. After escorting a convoy of unloaded assault ships to Saipan between 9 and 29 April, Fieberling returned to Okinawa for patrol, escort, and radar picket duty until 28 June.
Fieberling operated on escort duty between Okinawa and Guam and Saipan until 22 October 1945, when she sailed to escort a transport from Saipan to Japan. She returned to Portland, Oreg., 22 November, and after overhaul, sailed from San Diego 15 March 1946 for occupation duty off the Chinese coast. Back in San Diego 13 August, she operated along the west coast and in the Hawaiian Islands, testing experimental equipment, until decommissioned 13 March 1948 and placed in reserve at San Diego.
Fieberling received one battle star for World War II service.
(USS Fieberling history courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.)
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The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Torpedo Squadron Eight 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.
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His family received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Lt Fieberling. The commemoration reads:
In grateful memory of Langdon Kellogg Fieberling, who died in the service of his country at Midway Island on 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
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The other two aircrew on his plane were *Ens Jack Winton Wilke - Bombardier/Navigator (R/B)
RM2 Arthur Raymond Osborn - Radioman/Turret Gunner (TG)
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[bio #71 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Lt. Fieberling Military Hall of Honor Honoree #91983
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from California.
