Lofton R. Henderson’s Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to
Lofton R. Henderson
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Squadron Commander and a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 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 it action. It is believed he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
![](https://www.untothebreach.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lfhenderson-100x132.jpg)
Born: May 24, 1903 in Lorain, Ohio… Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of ’26)… Served as a platoon commander in China before becoming a pilot, 15th Machine Gun and Howitzer Company, 12th Regiment, 3rd Brigade… Guadalcanal’s Henderson Field is named in his honor