McNatt, Kenneth

Lockheed P-1 Ventura

Date of birth:: (Loveland/Colorado, United States)
Date of death:: September 4th, 2012 (Wheaton/Illinois, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Career:
1942: U.S. Navy;
? - 1948: Denver University;
1948 - 1983: Exxon Corporation.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant (junior grade)
Awarded on:: 1944

Description:
"Lt. (jg) Kenneth J. McNatt, co-pilot took control of a VENTURA at 50 feet over the target when flak killed the plane commander, seriously wounded two aircrewmen, and damaged the plane's controls. Although he never had landed a VENTURA alone before, Lieut. (jg) McNatt brought the damaged plane in successfully, with the aid of Thomas Reed, Aviation Machinist's Mate, Third Class, USNR, of Jellico, Tennessee.
Lieutenant (jg) K.J. McNatt, USNR, landing his plane safely at Kwajalein after PPC had been killed by AA fire over Wotje on 19 April. The courage and skill displayed by Lieutenant (jg) McNatt in taking over control of the plane at 50 feet over the target and flying it to Kwajalein despite damage to the controls and despite the fact that the entire crew, two of whom were seriously wounded, conducted themselves in a most exemplary manner."

Awarded with "V" for Valor.