Herbert Valentine became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down SIX enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He left active duty after World War II but returned to service as an enlisted man with the rank of Master Sergeant during the Korean War, where he was shot down twice but evaded capture both times. Commissioned a Major in 1952, he retired at that rank in 1965.
Sponsored by:
Herbert
James
Valentine
September 12, 1917
–
May 3, 1996
Cemetery:
Calvary Catholic Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Navy Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Master SergeantBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)Action Date:
September 23 – December 7, 1950
1st Marine Aircraft Wing, SPOT: Serial 2598The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 23 September to 7 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Master Sergeant Valentine participated in daring flights over an active combat area. By his skill, courage, and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, he contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Master SergeantBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)Action Date:
August 5 – September 22, 1950
1st Marine Aircraft Wing, SPOT: Serial 208The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 5 August to 22 September 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Master Sergeant Valentine participated in daring flights over an active combat area. By his skill, courage, and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, he contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)Action Date:
May 18 – 23, 1945
AFMF PAC SPOT: 9258The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, from 18 to 23 May 1945. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Captain Valentine contributed materially to the success of his squadron and to the infliction of damage on enemy aircraft, airfields, gun emplacements, radio stations, vehicles, caves, ammunition dumps and troops. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)Regiment:
Marine Air Group 33 (MAG-33)Division:
4th Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
April 27 – 29, 1945
AFMF PAC SPOT: 9258The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, from 27 to 29 April 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Captain Valentine contributed materially to the success of his squadron and to the infliction of damage on enemy aircraft, airfields, gun emplacements, radio stations, vehicles, caves, ammunition dumps and troops. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)Regiment:
Marine Air Group 33 (MAG-33)Division:
4th Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
May 25, 1945
SPOT AWARD, Commander, Air Forces Pacific: Serial 2110The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Division Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 25 May 1945. Leading his division in a bold attack against a numerically superior force of enemy fighter and bomber aircraft, Captain Valentine skillfully maneuvered his plane for maximum striking power and, pressing home his attack, shot down five of the hostile planes, probably destroyed a sixth and assisted in the destruction of another. By his courageous leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, he aided materially in the destruction of the entire Japanese group, thereby preventing damage to friendly ships and airfields. His skilled airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.