Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
I was in VR-5 attached to NAS Modffett Field.I was trnsfeerred from VP-871.We had just returned from duty on Japan and Korea.I started out in the traffic office overseeing sdeight aznd balance on outgoing flights.After xsix months myself and 2 other chiefs were zassigned to prepare a ground school to teach R6D-1 aircraft systems to overage fighter pilots in prerparation for their qualifying in gthe R6D-1 aircraft. taught.Air Conditioning,Engine Management,aznd Cruisew Control.During that time I qualified for a Commercial Flight Engineers License,qwhich included passing a ground and flight check by a CAA licensed inspector.After several mongths I was assigned as senior flight engineer and started flying routes out to the far east.I requested to start University courses in Aero Engineerin=g and was put in charge of Night Maintenance.After one semester I requested return to active reserve and was so assigned.
Best Moment
Best moment was my qualifying for a Commercial Flight Engineers license.
Worst Moment
A flight to NAS Atsugi,Japan.
We had a load of 65 Marines commanded by a Chief Warrant Gunner .I was flying as Flight Engineer and immediately after takeoff from NAS Barbers Point the number 1 baggage compartment fire watrning light came on and I immediately actuated the fire contfrol system and requested the Command pilot that I go aft and see if I could get access to the compartment,in the mean time the pilots had turned the airctraft around and reqested an emergency down wind full gross landing.I started back and I grabbed the Gunner and gave him a brief check on what was happening and requested that none of his people move from their seats.He gave me a quick affifrmative and drew his .45 and anounced that the first SOB that moved from his seat was going to get a bullet in the head.I was not able to get access to the compartment so I went back to the flight deck and we made a beuatiful landing,full gross.As soon as we got off the runway we were met by the fire control gang and they opened the compartment and as they started getting the baggage out one of the bags burst into flame and was immediately put out.The marines checked all their bags.It was determined that somehow a cigarette had gotten lodged in one of the bags.We trook off the next morning and had a good trip to Japan.
Other Memories
It was vdery good duty we went to some interesting places.It was almost like shore duty but we got sea pay as well as flight skins.
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 12 December 1951 to 23 March 1952
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 March to 5 June 1952
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate
Richard G. Watson , Jr.
Navy
For service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Disti... Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate
Richard G. Watson , Jr.
Navy
For service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Richard G. Watson, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as crew member of a patrol bomber plane in Patrol Bombing Squadron FORTY-FOUR, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific area from 8 March to 7 April 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Watson participated in combat air patrols in the face of grave hazards, thereby contributing materially to the success of his aircraft. His courage, technical skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Central and Southwest Pacific Ocean areas from 13April 1942 to 1 February 1943
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from 3 to 18 February 1943
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against Japanese enemy forces in the Southwest P{acific Area from 20 February 19 to 5 March 1943
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against Japanese enemy forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from 10Apri 1943 to 25 August 1944
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Operations against Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from 29 August to 2 November 1944
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description
Made mssions with a VMF squadron,night interdiction missions with Marine F7F's lighted targets of opportunity.
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description As 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resultAs 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resulted from Ridgway's decision to halt offensive operations in Korea, because the cost of major assaults on the enemy's defenses would be more than the results could justify. Furthermore, the possibility of an armistice agreement emerging from the recently reopened talks ruled out the mounting of any large-scale offensive by either side. On 21 November Ridgway ordered the Eighth Army to cease offensive operations and begin an active defense of its front. Attacks were limited to those necessary to strengthen the main line of resistance and to establish an adequate outpost line.
In the third week of December the U.S. 45th Division, the first National Guard division to fight in Korea, replaced the 1st Cavalry Division in the I Corps sector north of Seoul. The 1st Cavalry Division returned to Japan.
In the air, U.N. bombers and fighter-bombers continued the interdiction campaign (Operation STRANGLE, which the Far East Air Forces had begun on 15 August 1951) against railroad tracks, bridges, and highway traffic. At sea, naval units of nine nations tightened their blockade around the coastline of North Korea. Carrier-based planes blasted railroads, bridges, and boxcars, and destroyers bombarded enemy gun emplacements and supply depots. On the ground, the 155-mile front remained generally quiet in the opening days of 1952. Later in January the Eighth Army opened a month-long artillery-air campaign against enemy positions, which forced the enemy to dig in deeply. During March and April Van Fleet shifted his units along the front to give the ROK Army a greater share in defending the battle line and to concentrate American fire power in the vulnerable western sector.... More
People You Remember
LCDR Loze,LT.Manning,T.P.Phillips,AMM3c,Tom Degnan,ARM1c,J.Stuckey AET 3c
Memories In March of 1951,my squadron,VP-871 received 12 PB4Y-2's from Litchfield Park storage area.We traineIn March of 1951,my squadron,VP-871 received 12 PB4Y-2's from Litchfield Park storage area.We trained and rebuilt the airplanes at NAS Oaklnd until April 1951 at which time we were transferred to NAS Sand Point,WA for operational training.We lost one aircraft with all hands lost, on a mine laying exercise off Whidbey Island in August of 1951.In November 1951 we were transferred to NAS North Island for our OER.We started deploying to Japan,NAS Atsugi the latter part of Nov and were attached TAD to VP-28 for operational training in Korea.My crew,#6 was sent to Korea K-14,Kimpo Field on Dec.13 for our first night mission.We flew in tandem with a Marine F7F in night interdiction,we dropped flares to lightup targets of opportunity,trucks,bridges etc.I had 43 missions which also included ABLE patrols up toward Validivostock to light up the Russian radar for plotting.We also flew up the East China Sea checking on all shipping going into Shanghai.We photographed and identified all ships we encountered.On one night interdiction we were notified by our Marine fighter that we had a bogey on our 6 he said that he had night fighting gear aboard and would get him,we were told to bank hard to starboard on his mark,we did and he flamed him.I have been a big fan of the marines ever since.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Criteria Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbrea... Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953, Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days Performed his / her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations MoreHide
Best Friends
Bill Keller AMSC,Jim Gosnell ADEC,T.P."Stretch" Pillips AD3,Tom Degnan ARM1
Best Moment
Return home from Korea
Worst Moment
Night raid in which we were almost attacked by an enemy nightfighter.He was shot down by our companion aircraft a F7F equipped with night fighter gear.
Other Memories
VP-19 was originally VP-907 in 1946, then redsignated VP-ML57 from 46-50. From 1950-53 it was VP-871. Then in 1953 it was again changed to VP-19.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in... The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in any Federally recognized naval militia force in either active or in-active status. The award of the Naval Reserve Medal was discontinued on September 12, 1958, and has been replaced by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Independence Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet eligibility requirements for both the Philippine Defense Medal and the Philippine Liberations... The Philippine Independence Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet eligibility requirements for both the Philippine Defense Medal and the Philippine Liberations Medal, or who were present on duty in the Philippines on July 4, 1946. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be m... The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be met: Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7-20, 1944; or, Participation in any engagement against the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign; or, Service in the Philippine Islands or in ships in Philippine wates for not less than 30 days during the period of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... More
People You Remember Crew#12,PPC LTJG Robert Felmuth,ENS.Chadron Hunter,NAP1c Gordon Merrow,PC,Vernon Holden. January flewCrew#12,PPC LTJG Robert Felmuth,ENS.Chadron Hunter,NAP1c Gordon Merrow,PC,Vernon Holden. January flew 6 patrol missions(11.5-12 hours) out of Segond Channel Espiritu Santos tended by the USS Curtis.These missions were toward the Japanese Island of Nauru and to increase our range we would land at Vanikoro Island in the Santa Cruz group,supported by WW1 destroyers turned seaplane tenders the USS Ballard and the USS Thornton,USS Mackinac also was used.In February we had 6 more patrol missions and the the skipper LCDR Rosy Rosasco,took our crew to Halavo Beach,Florida Island to pick up a coast watcher that was to relieve the coast watcher on the island.We flew 3 more patrols and on Feb 28 we had our first dogfight with a Betty.I had the starboard waist .50 and I was able to get off some good bursts at him and he veered off Felmeth was able to stay away from his 20mm and after about 15 minutes he gave up and headed back to Nauru.March 10 missions with no incident.April7 we made contact with another Betty,he came up on our port quarter and made crossing runs to to our starboard,both waist guns got off some good bursts from about a 300 yard range.We took hits in the cockpit,port wing and tail section,but no casualties.May we were sent to Halavo Beach and on the 14th we went up to New Georgia on the other side of the Island from Munda to provision coast watchers and brought one of them back to Guadalcanal,we had a six plane fighter escort,3 F4F's,2 P-39's and a P-38.Had 2 more patrols that month.June we had 3 more patrols and a night ASW a round trip to Ile Nou and we were relieved on the last of June.I was overseas for 17 months the first trip. ... More
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... More
People You Remember PPC LCDR G.S.Bogart,LT.Chadron Hunter,ENS.R.Green,PC R.G.Watson,ACMM (CA).We left NAS North Island oPPC LCDR G.S.Bogart,LT.Chadron Hunter,ENS.R.Green,PC R.G.Watson,ACMM (CA).We left NAS North Island on 1/30/1944 for Kaneohe for BlackCat training.In April we took CAPT Erdman,ADM Gunthers chief of staff for a tour of all the forward war zone areas.We visited the Treasury Islands,Bougainville,Green Island Island,Tulagi,Munda,Gaudalcanal,Espiritu Santos,Nausori,Fiji and back to Espiritu.On June 20 we were transferred to Green island for BlackCat Op's.We had our first of 8 night missions,barge hunting,truck convoy attacks on New Ireland.On Nov. 21 I was detached to the states for flight training.... More
Chain of Command
John Finn AOC. John Finn was awarded the MOH for his actions at Kaneohe Bay during the Japanese attack on 7 Dec 1941.He shot down a Japanese plane and was wounded several times without leaving field.He is still with us and I believe is 91 years old.A mighty fine man!
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, the United States Navy (USN), under Admirals Chester W. Nimitz, Frank Jack Fletcher, and Raymond A. Spruance decisively defeated an attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), under Admirals Isoroku Yamamoto, Chuichi Nagumo, and Nobutake Kondo on Midway Atoll, inflicting irreparable damage on the Japanese fleet. Military historian John Keegan called it "the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare." It was Japan's first naval defeat since the Battle of Shimonoseki Straits in 1863.
The Japanese operation, like the earlier attack on Pearl Harbor, sought to eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific, thereby giving Japan a free hand in establishing its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Japanese hoped that another demoralizing defeat would force the U.S. to capitulate in the Pacific War and thus ensure Japanese dominance in the Pacific.
The Japanese plan was to lure the United States' aircraft carriers into a trap. The Japanese also intended to occupy Midway as part of an overall plan to extend their defensive perimeter in response to the Doolittle air raid on Tokyo. This operation was also considered preparatory for further attacks against Fiji, Samoa, and Hawaii itself.
The plan was handicapped by faulty Japanese assumptions of the American reaction and poor initial dispositions.Most significantly, American codebreakers were able to determine the date and location of the attack, enabling the forewarned U.S. Navy to set up an ambush of its own. Four Japanese aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu, all part of the six-carrier force that had attacked Pearl Harbor six months earlier—and a heavy cruiser were sunk at a cost of one American aircraft carrier and a destroyer. After Midway and the exhausting attrition of the Solomon Islands campaign, Japan's shipbuilding and pilot training programs were unable to keep pace in replacing their losses, while the U.S. steadily increased its output in both areas.... More
People You Remember Crew #6,PPC ENS.J.J"Jiggs:"Lyons,ENS.G.W.Hanthorn,ENS.Frank Panetto,ENS.Frank.H.Jarrell,PC,Dean FerbCrew #6,PPC ENS.J.J"Jiggs:"Lyons,ENS.G.W.Hanthorn,ENS.Frank Panetto,ENS.Frank.H.Jarrell,PC,Dean Ferbrache,AMM1c,Ziggy Zydak,AMM2c,Charles Buchanan,AMM2c,Leo Black.ARM2c,G.W.grove,Sea2c... More
Memories On 1 June while on patrol toward Wake Island in search of the Japanese Fleet we were attacked by a tOn 1 June while on patrol toward Wake Island in search of the Japanese Fleet we were attacked by a twin engined Jap,"Betty",he made 12 runs on or starboard side as our stbd .50cal was jammed.He attempted to drop 5 100# bombs on us but failed,we were able to put the tunnel .30cal in the Stbd mount and his next attack was met with a good volley from that gun,he left the area.We went in to a cloud and as we came out saw our 44-P-7 under attact5 so we joined that engagement and got good hits from the bow .30 and the port .50,he left the area and we returned home to Midway.... More
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Best Friends
Herb Behner SR,Fred Dickey SR,LaVerne Jones SR,Russ Wakefield SR,Bill Gaughan SR
Best Moment
The ship went in to San Francisco and we all got liberty to visit the 1939 worlds Fair at Treasure Island.
Worst Moment
My first time on crows nest watch.I had trouble getting a hold of the bridge with the phone and we were sailing in a column with several other ships and the OOD got quite upset with me.
Chain of Command
I was a torpedomen striker and I reported to a Torpedoman 1stClass.
Other Memories
This was my first active duty in the Navy and it was for a two week cruise.We had maneuvers with several destroyers,our sister ship the USS Patterson,the cruisers:USS Astoria,USS Vincennes and several other along with the USS Oklahoma,we made a smoke screen fro her and she let out a magnificent broadside.
Attached to ZP-871 (Blimp Squadron)