Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare-St Louis, MO
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 42.702 W 090° 16.704
15S E 736641 N 4288300
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action as a pilot of Fighting Squadron 3 stationed on the USS Lexington in aerial combat with the Japanese on February 20, 1942. At a later date he was killed in action and his remains were never recovered. He has a cenotaph marker in Memorial Park Cemetery, St Louis MO next to his father in Section 6, Lot 801A.
Waymark Code: WMX5Q8
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 12/01/2017
Views: 0
He was born on March 13, 1914 in St. Louis MO and died on November 29 1943 in the South Pacific. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: O'HARE, EDWARD HENRY
• Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
• Entered service at: St. Louis, Mo.
• Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 gold star
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial combat, at grave risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, as section leader and pilot of Fighting Squadron 3 on 20 February 1942. Having lost the assistance of his teammates, Lt. O'Hare interposed his plane between his ship and an advancing enemy formation of 9 attacking twin-engine heavy bombers. Without hesitation, alone and unaided, he repeatedly attacked this enemy formation, at close range in the face of intense combined machinegun and cannon fire. Despite this concentrated opposition, Lt. O'Hare, by his gallant and courageous action, his extremely skillful marksmanship in making the most of every shot of his limited amount of ammunition, shot down 5 enemy bombers and severely damaged a sixth before they reached the bomb release point. As a result of his gallant action--one of the most daring, if not the most daring, single action in the history of combat aviation--he undoubtedly saved his carrier from serious damage.
Armed Service: Navy
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