KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Share #1 Posted August 2, 2015 This is a group to a Radar Observer with VB-116 who participated in one of the classic running aerial battles with Japanese Planes during the Pacific War. It lasted 45 minutes. The Pilot earned a Navy Cross and the rest of the crew, DFC's. The pilots Navy Cross: OLIVER, WILLIAM B. Synopsis: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William B. Oliver, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VPB-116), in action on 12 October 1944, at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Lieutenant Oliver and his crew, in company with another aircraft flown by Lieutenant William M. Miller, searched the waters off Iwo Jima for survivors of a squadron plane believed lost in that area. When enemy fighters rose to intercept the pair they continued their sweep and withdrew in company together. In the ensuing air-to-air combat the two bombers downed six of the eight attacking fighters. Lieutenant Miller's outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: April 27, 1915 at Heights, West Virginia Home Town: Fostoria, Ohio The following Aircraft Action Reports tell the story of the battle: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted August 2, 2015 Now begins the group to the Radar Observer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted August 2, 2015 You can see the uniform is the same one in this file photo. The DFC was his only award. Notice he is not wearing a wing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted August 2, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted August 2, 2015 There is quite a bit more in this group, however I have shown the "core" of the group. I have always liked this grouping based on his rating, and the action involved. Its amazing the flying he did, and never earned an Air Medal. The DFC speaks for itself. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY Militaria Posted August 2, 2015 Share #15 Posted August 2, 2015 Wow, that's a great group with stellar research included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted October 29, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted October 29, 2016 Back to the top Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted October 29, 2016 Share #17 Posted October 29, 2016 Awesome grouping Kurt and the paperwork is outstanding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 18, 2020 Author Share #18 Posted February 18, 2020 Back up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 17 Author Share #19 Posted February 17 Bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted February 22 Share #20 Posted February 22 Absolute Gem!! Not sure how I missed this one?? Great Group! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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