"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Air Group 15, during combat against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the first and second battles of the Philippine Sea. An inspiring leader, fighting boldly in the face of terrific odds, Comdr. McCampbell led his fighter planes against a force of 80 Japanese carrier-based aircraft bearing down on our fleet on 19 June 1944. Striking fiercely in valiant defense of our surface force, he personally destroyed 7 hostile planes during this single engagement in which the outnumbering attack force was utterly routed and virtually annihilated. During a major fleet engagement with the enemy on 24 October, Comdr. McCampbell, assisted by but l plane, intercepted and daringly attacked a formation of 60 hostile land-based craft approaching our forces. Fighting desperately but with superb skill against such overwhelming airpower, he shot down 9 Japanese planes and, completely disorganizing the enemy group, forced the remainder to abandon the attack before a single aircraft could reach the fleet. His great personal valor and indomitable spirit of aggression under extremely perilous combat conditions reflect the highest credit upon Comdr. McCampbell and the U.S. Naval Service."
David McCampbell
World War II · US Navy · Captain
Branch
Navy
Added by: quinster27
Rank
Captain
Added by: quinster27
Service Number
072487
Added by: oconnornj
WW2 Service Fact
Commander, Air Group FIFTEEN (AG-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9)
Added by: oconnornj
Branch
Army Air Force
Added by: Spirit_of_45
Conflict Period
World War II
Added by: Spirit_of_45
Served For
United States of America
Added by: Fold3_Team
Gold Star
No
Added by: Spirit_of_45
Stories about David McCampbell
Medal of Honor Citation
Added by quinster27 · April 4, 2014
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Additional Info
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- Spirit_of_45 - Anyone can contribute
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- 16 Aug 2017
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