Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
St. Louis, Missouri
Honored By
Terry MacDonald
IN 1942 HE SERVED ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LEXINGTON IN THE PACIFIC THEATER. IN FEBRUARY 1942, HE S SHOT DOWN 5 JAPANESE BOMBERS AND DAMAGED 3 OTHERS. HE WAS THE 1ST NAVY ACE OF WORLD WAR II. HE WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR, THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS WITH GOLD STAR AND THE PURPLE HEART. HE WAS MISSING IN ACTION NOVEMBER 1943, PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN SHOT DOWN.