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Dahms, Kenneth John

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Kenneth Dahms was recognised for a total of 7.5 planes shot down.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant (junior grade)
Unit:
Fighting Squadron 30 (VF-30), U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24),
Awarded on:
July 4th, 1945
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THIRTY (VF-30), during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 6 April 1945. Flying target combat air patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dahms pressed home determined attacks against hostile aircraft and, in a single engagement, destroyed two enemy fighters and three enemy dive bombers and assisted in the destruction of another fighter. By his superb airmanship, he assisted materially in breaking up a large-scale enemy air attack on units of our Fleet engaged in landing operations on Okinawa. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dahms and the United States Naval Service."

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0620 (July 4, 1945).
At the time of the action he still had the rank of Ensign.
Navy Cross

Sources

  • Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
  • - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
    - Home of Heroes

Photo