Hodges, Flourenoy Glen, ENS

Early on the morning on 4 Jun 1942 aircraft of the USS Enterprise's (CV-6) air group, along with aircraft from US carriers Hornet and Yorktown, launched to attack the Japanese carrier striking force that was approaching the Midway atoll. VT-6 sighted the Japanese force and commenced their attack. However, the squadron became separated from its covering force of fighters. Without combat air protection, Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the fourteen torpedo planes that took off from the Enterprise that morning only four survived the attack. Ensign Glen Hodges and RM3 John Hail Bates did not return from this mission, and they were listed as missing in action. Their remains were unrecoverable. On 5 Jun 1943 they were presumed dead.

Service numbers:  Enlisted - 4062193   Officer - 085867

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6)
Division: U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Flourenoy Glen Hodges (NSN: 0-85867), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a vigorous and intensive assault against the Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Hodges pressed home his attack with relentless determination in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft fire. The unprecedented conditions under which his squadron launched its offensive were so exceptional that it is highly improbably the occasion may ever recur where other pilots of the service will be called upon to demonstrate an equal degree of gallantry and fortitude. His extreme disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and his loyal conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.