|
American Defense Service Medal
|
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
|
Description
Description Pending
|
|
|
ENS Langdon was transferred from VT-2 to VT-8 in December of 1940.VT-8 was scheduled to go aboard the USS Hornet CV-8 as soon finished it's shakedown.
ENS Langdon volunteered to carrier qualify the SBN-1,a new aircraft manufactured by the NAF,on board the USS Long Island.He completed one trap and on his second approach the aircraft suddenly went into the water from about 90 feet.He was killed instantly.
ENS Langdon's replacement was ENS. George H.Gay the sole survivor of VT-8,flying off the USS Hornet,at Midway.ENS Gay was picked up the morning of June 5,1942 by a VP-44 aircraft,44-P-10,piloted by LTJG Shelby "Pappy" Cole and returned to Midway.The USS Sterett picked up his remains and what was left of the aircraft.