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Casualty Info
Home Town Bentonia, Mississippi
Last Address Phoenix, MS
Casualty Date Jul 04, 1944
Cause KIA-Body Not Recovered
Reason Air Loss, Crash - Sea
Location Japan
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii
Wall/Plot Coordinates (cenotaph)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
On July 4, 1944, LTjg Hancock took off from the USS Cabot (CVL-28) on a fighter sweep over Iwo Jima. Over the target, the formation was intercepted by A6M5 Zero. Likely, this Hellcat was shot down by an intercepting A6M5 Zeros. When Hancock failed to return he was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). His body was never recovered and he was later declared dead.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 263521
Presidential Unit Citation
For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from January 29 44, to April 8, 1345. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the U.S.S. CABOT and her air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the CABOT with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire.
For the President,
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy
The information contained in this profile was compiled from various internet sources.
Marshall Islands Operation (1944)/Battle of Roi-Namur Island
From Month/Year
February / 1944
To Month/Year
February / 1944
Description Japan took over in 1914 and colonised the Marshalls extensively, developing and fortifying large bases on many of the islands. Roi-Namur was the target of the U.S. 4th Marine Division in the Battle of Kwajalein, in February 1944. During the Japanese occupation, the two islands were connected by a narrow neck of land and causeway. After the American occupation, US Navy SeaBees filled the area between the islands by December 1944; the two islands are now joined are presently called Roi-Namur with a total area of about one square mile.
