Date of birth:

July 20th, 1915 (Mukwonago/Wisconsin, United States)

Date of death:

June 4th, 1942

Service number:

0-081539, U.S. Navy

Nationality:

American

John James Van Buren was born on July 20th, 1915 in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. He enlisted on March 24th, 1938 and was appointed Aviation Cadet in the United States Naval Reserve on August 3rd, 1938. Upon completion of flight training, he was commissioned as an ensign on September 1st, 1939 and assigned to Bombing Squadron 6 on board the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6).
He was reported missing in action on June 4th, 1942 during the Battle of Midway.

Promotions:
August 3rd, 1938: Aviation Cadet;
September 1st, 1939: Ensign;
?: Lieutenant (junior grade).

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Pilot Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6), U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 - 6 June 1942. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Van Buren, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
  - Home of Heroes