Arthur Murray Preston-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.428 W 077° 04.284
18S E 320307 N 4304811
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33 in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island in Japanese held area on September 16, 1944. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 3, Lot 1847-A-1.
Waymark Code: WMX7A8
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/07/2017
Views: 0
He was born on November 1, 1913 in Washington DC and died on January 7, 1968 in Chevy Chase, MD. He attained the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: PRESTON, ARTHUR MURRAY
• Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve, Torpedo Boat Squadron 33
• Place and date. Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, 16 September 1944
• Entered service at: Maryland
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33, while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and supply area, 16 September 1944. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft smokescreen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel, Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous fire for 2l/2 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Armed Service: Navy
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