This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Cory Butterfield, AO1
to remember
Watson, Richard G., Jr. (Dick), LTJG.
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Contact Info
Home Town Wenham
Last Address Lakeside Manor,Apt.323 Reno,NV
Date of Passing Jan 17, 2022
Location of Interment Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California
I am enjolying retirement with family and friends.
Other Comments:
My Naval Assignments have included many reserve squadrons that are not listed in the matrix. They are as follows:
VP-907, Plankowner, commissioned July 4, 1946 and redesignated VP-ML-57 on November 15, 1946. In February 1950, the unit was redesignated to VP-871 at which time I transferred back to active duty in February 1951. The unit was redesignated VP-19 in February 1953.
I was subsequently transferred from VP-871 to VR-5, Moffet Field, CA in September 1952 and remained there until December 1954, upon going to the active reserve with VP-871 until 1957. I was then transferred to ZP-871 (Blimp Squadron) as A/C Maintenence Officer from 1958-1960 and went inactive in 1960.
I am a qualified Flight Engineer in the following aircraft:PBY-5& 5A,PB2Y-3,PB4Y-2,R6D-1,PV-2,and the R6V.While in VR-5 I recieved a FAA Flight Engineers License and a FAA A&E license.I had already gotten my pilots license in 1949.
On November 7 2007 I was honored to be inducted into the Combat Aircrew Roll of honor on the USS Yorktown
CV 10.
Name of Award Distinguished Flying Cross (1917-2016)
Devices
none
Year Awarded 1952
Last Updated: May 2, 2012
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
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.