Lofton Henderson

March 24, 1903 (age 39)

Lorain, Lorain County, United States of America

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. Navy Cross citation Expeditionary Medal Other.

Lofton Henderson

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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.

Navy Cross citation Expeditionary Medal Other.

Achievements

HENDERSON, LOFTON R. Major, United States. Marine Corps Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241), Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway Date of Action: June 4, 1942 Citation:The Navy Cross is presented to Lofton R. Henderson, Major, United States. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Squadron Commander of Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB- 241), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Major Henderson, with keen judgment and courageous aggressiveness in the face of strong enemy fighter opposition, led his squadron in an attack which contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy. He was subsequently reported as missing in action. lieutenant is believed he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. In addition to the Navy Cross, Major Henderson was also eligible for the following awards - Purple Heart (posthumously) Combat Action Ribbon (posthumously) Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Yangtze Service Medal Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal American Defense Service Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with star (posthumously) World War Two Victory Medal (posthumously) In August 1942, the partially constructed Japanese airfield on Guadalcanal was captured at the outset of a six-month campaign to expel the enemy from both Guadalcanal and its sister island Tulagi. lieutenant was named Henderson Field (now Honiara International Airport) in his honor. In 1945, the Gearing class destroyer United States Ship Henderson (Doctor of Divinity-785) was named after him. The 21st Street Bridge in his hometown of Lorain, Ohio was renamed the Lofton Henderson Memorial Bridge.

Connections

enemy:: Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron

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