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Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy. Born: 13 March 1914, St. Louis, Mo. 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. |
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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. | |
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