Fonda, Henry Jaynes

Date of birth:: May 16th, 1905 (Grand Island/Nebraska, United States of America)
Date of death:: August 12th, 1982 (Los Angeles/California, Unites States of America)
Nationality:: American

Biography

During the early years of World War II, the actor Henry Fonda had helped raise funds for the defense of Britain from Nazi Germany, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, stating "I don't want to be in a fake war in a studio." Fonda served for three years, initially as a Quartermaster 3rd Class on the destroyer USS Satterlee, and later as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in Air Combat Intelligence in the Central Pacific. It was during the latter period that he received this Bronze Star for. The unit in which he served also was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation.

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Henry Jaynes Fonda, United States Naval Reserve for service as set forth in the following citation:
"For meritorious service as Assistant Operations Officer and Air Combat Forward Area Central Pacific and Commander Marianas, during operations against enemy Japanese forces from May 12, 1944, tot August 12, 1945. Displaying professional ability and untiring energy, Lieutenant Fonda rendered valuable assistance in planning and executing air operations which effectively supported the Marianas, Western Carolines and Iwo Jima Campaigns, neutralized hostile installations on nearby enemy-held islands and atolls, and subsequently developed into search missions in Empire waters and strikes on the Japanese homeland. His untiring devotion to duty was in keeping the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Sources

Photo 1:
- Heritage Auctions
- Fonda Family Genealogy