Lofton R. Henderson was a marine aviator in the United States Marine Corps during World World War World War II
Background
Lofton Henderson was born on May 24, 1903 in Lorain, Ohio.
Education
He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1926.
Career
He was the Commanding Officer of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241) at the Battle of Midway and is recognized as the first Marine Aviator to die during that battle while leading his squadron to attack the Japanese carrier forces. Prior to World World War II, he served in China, and various Caribbean stations, and on aircraft carriers Langley (CV-1), Ranger (CV-4), and Saratoga (CV-3). While leading 16 planes in a dive bombing attack on the aircraft carrier Hiryū, his left wing burst into flames as he began his final approach.
Henderson continued the attack and perished as his plane dived toward the enemy carrier.