This Military Service Page was created/owned by
PO1 Jeff Frey (Ace)
to remember
McCampbell, David S., CAPT.
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Contact Info
Home Town Bessemer, AL
Last Address Riviera Beach, FL
Date of Passing Jun 30, 1996
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates 60 3150
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Captain McCampbell passed away in Florida after a lengthy illness.
McCampbell is the United States Navy's all-time leading flying ace and top F6F Hellcat ace with 34 aerial victories. He was the third-highest American scoring ace of World War II and the highest-scoring American ace to survive the war. He also set a world single mission aerial combat record of shooting down nine enemy planes in one mission, on October 24, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippines.
Other Comments:
Commander of the "Fabled Fifteen" Nickname given to Commander Air Group 15 during WWII, due to, during 20,000 hours of combat operations, destroying more aircraft(318 airborne / 348 on the ground) and sinking of more enemy ships than any other Air Group of the war.
Most aerial victories by an American Pilot on one combat tour, with 34.
Navy's all-time leading "Ace" with 34 aerial victories.
19 June 44, during the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" scored 7 aerial victories to become an "Ace in a Day"
24 October 44, repeated the feat with 9 aerial victories. The only American to become an "Ace in a Day" twice.
Only Fast Carrier Task Force Pilot to be honored with the Medal Of Honor.
Namesake of the USS McCampbell(DDG-85)
Namesake of the terminal at the Palm Beach International Airport.
NOTE: Click Medals/Ribbons to "display as table". Each individual award write-up can be read by selecting the award. Scans of the awards also in the Photo Gallery.
Awarded for distinguished actions in combat (valor)
Year Awarded 1944
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2007
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
For Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as Target Coordinator while attached to the USS Essex, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands from November 11 to 14, 1944. A brilliant combat flyer and forceful leader, Commander McCampbell directed the operations of several attack groups during this period, skillfully deploying the forces under his command to strike at the enemy with devastating speed, power, and precision in perfectly-coordinated raids which resulted in the maximum damage inflicted on hostile shipping and vital harbor facilities and in complete destruction of a large Japanese troop convoy. By his daring initiative, determined aggressiveness and unwavering devotion to duty, Commander McCampbell inspired the pilots of his command to heroic effort and contributed essentially to the success of our forces in this strategic area.
