John Francis Perry washed out of Army Air Force flight school, and assumed the name of a San Diego State classmate to enlist in the Navy as “Edwin Stanley Conant.” After earning his wings, he resigned to serve with the AVG in China before U.S. entry into the war, then rejoined the Navy as a fighter pilot. He became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He also served as a helicopter pilot in Korea, and in 1954 was acquitted in a Court Martial when his name deception was uncovered.
Sponsored by:
Edwin
Stanley
Conant (aka: John Francis Perry)
June 13, 1916
–
September 1, 1965
Born:
Santee
,
California
Home:
San Diego
,
California
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Edwin Stanley Conant (aka: John Francis Perry), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Bombing Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VBF-17), during World War II.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Edwin Stanley Conant (aka: John Francis Perry), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Bombing Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VBF-17), during World War II.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)Action Date:
March 19, 1945
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Edwin Stanley Conant (aka: John Francis Perry), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Fighter Pilot in Bombing Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VBF-17), in action during a fighter sweep over Kure Harbor, Japan, on or about 19 March 1945. Lieutenant Conant shot down three enemy planes during and engagement with the enemy, and his flight group accounted for a total of twenty-four enemy planes downed and probably eight or more damaged. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Edwin Stanley Conant (aka: John Francis Perry), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Bombing Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VBF-17), during World War II.