PORTSMOUTH HERALD
Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., NH
Saturday, 20 June 1942
LIEUT. JOHN ALVORD KNOWN IN E. ELIOT, PORTSMOUTH, LOST
Lieut. John Alvord, U.S. Marine Corps, has been reported missing after the battle of Midway Island in the Pacific. Grandson of the late Rev. John Graham and nephew of Mrs. Lucy Graham Murphy of East Eliot, Me., Lieutenant Alvord is the son of Mrs. H.B. Alvord of Melrose Highlands, Mass.
He was a pilot in the Marine air corps. He had frequently visited friends and relatives in East Eliot and Portsmouth.
~
Entered the service from Quincy, Massachusetts.
His name is also engraved on the gravestone of his parents at the First Congregational Church Cemetery in Kittery Point, Maine.
~
See also Missing Marines website: http://missingmarines.com/2012/02/09/captain-john-robert-alvord/
NAVY CROSS CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John Robert Alvord (MCSN: 0-6020), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942.General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942.JOHN ROBERT ALVORD was the son of Henry Bissell Alvord and Margaret G. Graham who married in Bethlehem, Grafton, NH on 27 Jun 1912. John's siblings were Margaret Graham, Graham Gillette and Jean Ruth Alvord. John married Nancy Follett of Quincy, Norfolk, MA in August 1941. Nancy was an extremely well accomplished musician winning numerous scholarships and competitions. She earned a music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1935. She was also a talented athlete especially in tennis and figure skating. She was the American National Junior figure skating champion during the 1930s. See the end note for more of this very talented woman's biography. After her husband's death Nancy appears to have given up music. She married William T Pasley on 28 Jun 1948 in Quincy, MA. She divorced him on 12 May 1950 in the Probate Court in Dedham, MA . Nancy lived in Quincy until her death in 2005.
~
John's father, Henry, earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from MIT in 1907. He became Asst., Civil Engineer at MIT, 1907-1910. Then an instructor of Surveying, Mechanical Drawing and Geology, 1910-1911; Later, he went to Bowdoin College to become Asst. Prof., Surveying, Mechanical Drawing and Astronomy, 1911-1920. In 1920, he joined the Northeastern University faculty in Boston as an assistant professor of Civil Engineering. By 1935, Henry was a full professor of Civil Engineering and Chairman of the Department at Northeastern. He died unexpectedly in Melrose, Middlesex, MA on 21 Apr 1939 at the age of 54. John's mother, Margaret, was a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA.
John Robert graduated from Melrose High School in June 1933. After high school graduation, he entered Northeastern University in Boston in Sept 1933. While in college John was active in sports and student government. He earned Freshman Honor list, He was the Junior Class Vice-President, a member of the Student Council, Freshman Honor List, freshman football and the Rifle team. He wrote a graduation thesis entitled The Design and Construction of a Condenser. He graduated in June 1937 from the School of Engineering with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Several months after college graduation, John enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve Aviation program as a Private First Class (PFC) on 14 Sept 1937 at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Squantum, Massachusetts. The next day he was assigned to active duty involving flying in aircraft for elimination flight training. PFC Alvord completed his flight training on 14 Oct 1937. His flight orders were cancelled, and he was ordered home to Melrose, MA to await further orders for aviation training at NAS Pensacola, FL. Meanwhile, PFC Alvord was assigned on 18 Oct 1937 to the Aviation Unit, First Reserve District, Boston, MA. He participated in local Marine Corps Reserve training until 4 Aug 1938 when he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
Finally, after a wait of almost 10 months, Aviation Cadet Alvord was off to NAS Pensacola. He began his flight training in Pensacola on 29 Aug 1938 as a Student Naval Aviator (SNA). On 29 Sept 1939, after more than a year of flight training under instruction, AVCAD Alvord received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) effective from 24 Aug 1939. He also accepted a commission as a 2d Lieutenant, USMCR (AVC). His date of rank was effective from 18 Sep 1939. After graduation he received orders to report to the 2d Marine Air Group (MAG), 2d Marine Brigade, FMF, San Diego. He was authorized a 30 day delay in reporting. That delay was 8 Oct – 2 Nov 1939. He reported to his new command on 03 Nov 1939. The following month he reported to Marine Scouting Squadron Two, 2d MAG in San Diego as a naval aviator and assistant navigator. According to the 1 April 1940 National City, San Diego, CA federal census 2nd Lt Alvord was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Group.
After gaining more flight experience with Scouting Squadron Two, Lt Alvord was transferred to NAS Pensacola on 10 Jun 1940 for duty as a naval aviator and flight instructor. In Feb 1941, 2Lt Alvord received an appointment in the regular Marine Corps under the act of August 27, 1940 as a 2Lt (Pensacola News Journal (Pensacola, FL) 02 Mar 1941). After more than a year as a flight instructor in Pensacola Lt Alvord transferred about August 1941 to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) in San Diego. It was in August 1941 that Lt Alvord married Miss Nancy Follett. On 15 Dec 1941, 2nd Lt John R. Alvord with other marines from VMF-221 sailed from California aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) and disembarked in Pearl Harbor. VMF-221 was transferred to Ewa, Hawaii. Then on 07 Jan 1942, members of VMF-221, Marine Aviation Detachment (MARAVNDET) including 2nd Lt Alvord set sail for Midway Island via the USS Thornton (AVD-11) and arrived on 12 Jan 1942 and disembarked. He was promoted to 1st Lt (USMC) on 1 April 1942 and on 25 May 1942 he was promoted to the temporary rank of Captain.
On 22 May Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22) had been alerted to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese Naval forces at any time. On the morning of 04 Jun 1942, the Midway radar installation and reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Major Parks and his command of VMF-221 flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and proceeded to intercept the incoming force of Japanese fighters and bombers. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy aircraft. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Major Parks and his six plane division consisting of 2d Lt Eugene Madole, Capt John Alvord, 2d Lt John Butler, 2d Lt David Pinkerton, Jr., and 2d Lt Charles S. Hughes were shot down. None of their remains were recoverable. Capt. Alvord was listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 and he was declared presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Capt Alvord was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He may have been eligible for the American Campaign Medal.
-----------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Robert Alvord, Captain, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO, Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a find leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
---------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
--------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of John Robert Alvord, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 5 June 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
-------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the 2019 Navy Department Awards Manual, Navy and Marine Corps aviators are NOT eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for aerial combat. If warranted, the Air Medal is the appropriate award to recognize aerial combat or other action not warranting the Distinguished Flying Cross. The eligibility time for award of the CAR was retroactive to 07 Dec 1941 so the rules apply to WWII.
[Bio #236 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor # 87246
PORTSMOUTH HERALD
Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., NH
Saturday, 20 June 1942
LIEUT. JOHN ALVORD KNOWN IN E. ELIOT, PORTSMOUTH, LOST
Lieut. John Alvord, U.S. Marine Corps, has been reported missing after the battle of Midway Island in the Pacific. Grandson of the late Rev. John Graham and nephew of Mrs. Lucy Graham Murphy of East Eliot, Me., Lieutenant Alvord is the son of Mrs. H.B. Alvord of Melrose Highlands, Mass.
He was a pilot in the Marine air corps. He had frequently visited friends and relatives in East Eliot and Portsmouth.
~
Entered the service from Quincy, Massachusetts.
His name is also engraved on the gravestone of his parents at the First Congregational Church Cemetery in Kittery Point, Maine.
~
See also Missing Marines website: http://missingmarines.com/2012/02/09/captain-john-robert-alvord/
NAVY CROSS CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John Robert Alvord (MCSN: 0-6020), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942.General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942.JOHN ROBERT ALVORD was the son of Henry Bissell Alvord and Margaret G. Graham who married in Bethlehem, Grafton, NH on 27 Jun 1912. John's siblings were Margaret Graham, Graham Gillette and Jean Ruth Alvord. John married Nancy Follett of Quincy, Norfolk, MA in August 1941. Nancy was an extremely well accomplished musician winning numerous scholarships and competitions. She earned a music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1935. She was also a talented athlete especially in tennis and figure skating. She was the American National Junior figure skating champion during the 1930s. See the end note for more of this very talented woman's biography. After her husband's death Nancy appears to have given up music. She married William T Pasley on 28 Jun 1948 in Quincy, MA. She divorced him on 12 May 1950 in the Probate Court in Dedham, MA . Nancy lived in Quincy until her death in 2005.
~
John's father, Henry, earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from MIT in 1907. He became Asst., Civil Engineer at MIT, 1907-1910. Then an instructor of Surveying, Mechanical Drawing and Geology, 1910-1911; Later, he went to Bowdoin College to become Asst. Prof., Surveying, Mechanical Drawing and Astronomy, 1911-1920. In 1920, he joined the Northeastern University faculty in Boston as an assistant professor of Civil Engineering. By 1935, Henry was a full professor of Civil Engineering and Chairman of the Department at Northeastern. He died unexpectedly in Melrose, Middlesex, MA on 21 Apr 1939 at the age of 54. John's mother, Margaret, was a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA.
John Robert graduated from Melrose High School in June 1933. After high school graduation, he entered Northeastern University in Boston in Sept 1933. While in college John was active in sports and student government. He earned Freshman Honor list, He was the Junior Class Vice-President, a member of the Student Council, Freshman Honor List, freshman football and the Rifle team. He wrote a graduation thesis entitled The Design and Construction of a Condenser. He graduated in June 1937 from the School of Engineering with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Several months after college graduation, John enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve Aviation program as a Private First Class (PFC) on 14 Sept 1937 at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Squantum, Massachusetts. The next day he was assigned to active duty involving flying in aircraft for elimination flight training. PFC Alvord completed his flight training on 14 Oct 1937. His flight orders were cancelled, and he was ordered home to Melrose, MA to await further orders for aviation training at NAS Pensacola, FL. Meanwhile, PFC Alvord was assigned on 18 Oct 1937 to the Aviation Unit, First Reserve District, Boston, MA. He participated in local Marine Corps Reserve training until 4 Aug 1938 when he was discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
Finally, after a wait of almost 10 months, Aviation Cadet Alvord was off to NAS Pensacola. He began his flight training in Pensacola on 29 Aug 1938 as a Student Naval Aviator (SNA). On 29 Sept 1939, after more than a year of flight training under instruction, AVCAD Alvord received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) effective from 24 Aug 1939. He also accepted a commission as a 2d Lieutenant, USMCR (AVC). His date of rank was effective from 18 Sep 1939. After graduation he received orders to report to the 2d Marine Air Group (MAG), 2d Marine Brigade, FMF, San Diego. He was authorized a 30 day delay in reporting. That delay was 8 Oct – 2 Nov 1939. He reported to his new command on 03 Nov 1939. The following month he reported to Marine Scouting Squadron Two, 2d MAG in San Diego as a naval aviator and assistant navigator. According to the 1 April 1940 National City, San Diego, CA federal census 2nd Lt Alvord was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Group.
After gaining more flight experience with Scouting Squadron Two, Lt Alvord was transferred to NAS Pensacola on 10 Jun 1940 for duty as a naval aviator and flight instructor. In Feb 1941, 2Lt Alvord received an appointment in the regular Marine Corps under the act of August 27, 1940 as a 2Lt (Pensacola News Journal (Pensacola, FL) 02 Mar 1941). After more than a year as a flight instructor in Pensacola Lt Alvord transferred about August 1941 to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) in San Diego. It was in August 1941 that Lt Alvord married Miss Nancy Follett. On 15 Dec 1941, 2nd Lt John R. Alvord with other marines from VMF-221 sailed from California aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) and disembarked in Pearl Harbor. VMF-221 was transferred to Ewa, Hawaii. Then on 07 Jan 1942, members of VMF-221, Marine Aviation Detachment (MARAVNDET) including 2nd Lt Alvord set sail for Midway Island via the USS Thornton (AVD-11) and arrived on 12 Jan 1942 and disembarked. He was promoted to 1st Lt (USMC) on 1 April 1942 and on 25 May 1942 he was promoted to the temporary rank of Captain.
On 22 May Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22) had been alerted to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese Naval forces at any time. On the morning of 04 Jun 1942, the Midway radar installation and reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Major Parks and his command of VMF-221 flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and proceeded to intercept the incoming force of Japanese fighters and bombers. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy aircraft. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Major Parks and his six plane division consisting of 2d Lt Eugene Madole, Capt John Alvord, 2d Lt John Butler, 2d Lt David Pinkerton, Jr., and 2d Lt Charles S. Hughes were shot down. None of their remains were recoverable. Capt. Alvord was listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 and he was declared presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Capt Alvord was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He may have been eligible for the American Campaign Medal.
-----------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Robert Alvord, Captain, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO, Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Alvord aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain Alvord gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a find leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
---------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
--------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of John Robert Alvord, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 5 June 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
-------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the 2019 Navy Department Awards Manual, Navy and Marine Corps aviators are NOT eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for aerial combat. If warranted, the Air Medal is the appropriate award to recognize aerial combat or other action not warranting the Distinguished Flying Cross. The eligibility time for award of the CAR was retroactive to 07 Dec 1941 so the rules apply to WWII.
[Bio #236 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor # 87246
Inscription
CAPT, US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
