Abernathy, Alva Norman

Date of birth:: June 7th, 1921 (Dallas/Texas, United States)
Date of death:: December 25th, 2008 (Dallas/Texas, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Retired after 33 years in the real estate department at National Life & Accident Insurance Co; Former President of Retired Military Officers Association, Dallas, TX Chapter;
Retired Captain of the US Navy serving in WWII & received 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses for service in the South Pacific in 1944 & 1945;
Receiver of eight Air Medals.
Served aboard VS-45, VF-44, VA-704 flying OS2U, F6F, F4U, SB2C, F9F-7
2,744 flight hours Commanding Officer of VA-704 President of the Dallas Reserve Officers Association. Earned 8 Air Medals

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 44 (VF-44), USS Langley (CVL-27), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: October 24th, 1944

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot and Section Leader in Fighting Squadron Forty Four attached to the U.S.S. Langley in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, October 24, 1944. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from his own and escorting vessels, Lieutenant Abernathy intercepted a hostile plane which had approached within several miles of his carrier and, despite poor visibility, opened fire, pursued and downed the enemy craft before it could damage the Langley. His skill as an airman and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."