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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 12 May 1943 to 16 June 1943. In this period of intense activity, First Lieutenant Finn engaged in numerous patrols, escort missions and strafing attacks, often in the face of heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire. On 10 June, when his flight of three fighters intercepted three twin-engined enemy bombers over Santa Isabel Island, he immediately plunged into a daring attack, sending the leading bomber down in flames. Later, on a four-plane interception mission, he became separated from the rest of his flight and during his ensuing search, discovered a formation of seven Zeros. Unhesitatingly, he attacked the trailing enemy plane, followed it down in a steep dive and shot it into the sea. Climbing high, he subsequently sighted three hostile dive bombers and, with fierce determination, blasted one of them so completely that it disintegrated before crashing into the water. First Lieutenant Finn’s heroic conduct and superb airmanship throughout the entire period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1967 – August 8, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Air Officer of the FIRST Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 20 July 1967 to 8 August 1968. During this period, Colonel Finn performed his demanding duties with superb professionalism and resourcefulness. Displaying exceptional tactical skill and sound judgment, he planned and supervised the effective utilization of air assets in support of ground forces on a continuing daily basis and during several major combat operations, including Operation SWIFT, HUE CITY and MAMELUKE THRUST. Traveling extensively throughout the Division’s vast Tactical Area of Responsibility, he personally effected liaison with commanders and air officers and provided outstanding guidance for numerous operations involving coordination of air and ground forces. Throughout extremely intense fighting during the enemy’s Tet Offensive, Colonel Finn worked arduously to ensure that proper air support was available to sustain maneuver elements, enabling infantry units to successfully exploit the tactical situation. Working tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail during the enemy’s Tet Offensive, he ably directed the planning, scheduling and execution of 393 helicopter missions, 72 hours of illumination, 192 hours of aerial reconnaissance and 586 tactical air strikes which delivered 946 tons of ordnance. Through his superior leadership and professional competence, he consistently performed his myriad duties in a thorough and imaginative manner, providing excellent coordination between the major commands of air and ground forces. By his exceptional professional ability, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Colonel Finn rendered distinguished service to his country and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Finn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118)

    Action Date:

    September 6 – December 7, 1950
    1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial 2644

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of a Ninth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 6 September 1950 to 7 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Captain Finn participated in daring flights over enemy territory in the face of hostile fire and contributed materially to the success of his unit. His courage and skill and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118)

    Action Date:

    September 24, 1950
    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 8459

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of an Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Leading his division in a close air support mission to aid friendly forces entering the heavily defended city of Seoul, Captain Finn carried out a daring low-level search for two well-hidden hostile tanks which were holding up the advance of our troops. Although his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, he located the enemy vehicles, marked their positions by strafing and directed his flight in repeated attacks until both tanks were destroyed, thereby permitting the continued advance of the friendly forces. Spotting several hostile anti-aircraft weapons which were keeping the division under constant fire during the strike, he immediately launched bold rocket and strafing runs and silenced the enemy guns. By his initiative, superb airmanship and courageous devotion to duty throughout this engagement, Captain Finn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118)

    Action Date:

    August 3 – September 17, 1950
    Commander 7th Fleet – SPOT: Serial 1109

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 3 August 1950 to 17 September 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Captain Finn participated in attacks against enemy installations in the face of hostile small arms and accurate heavy anti-aircraft fire, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. By his courage, professional skill and devotion to duty, Captain Finn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    January 21 – February 18, 1945
    AFMF PAC SPOT: 7135

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, from 21 January 1945 to 18 February 1945. Completing his eightieth mission during this period, Captain Finn contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118)

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1950
    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 1716

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 August 1950. Participating in extremely close air support of attacking troops in the Naktong River area, Captain Finn repeatedly exposed himself to fierce hostile small arms fire, coolly remaining over hostile territory throughout an intense friendly artillery barrage, in order to seek out and pinpoint enemy positions impeding the advance of friendly ground forces. Boldly leading his division in rocket and strafing attacks, he forced an enemy withdrawal but, observing that the retreat was to well-prepared positions, seized the opportunity to return for devastating runs on the moving troops. Delivering a continuous hail of machine gun and rocket fire into the enemy’s ranks, he succeeded in causing a complete rout, personally scoring a direct hit which destroyed a hostile anti-tank emplacement. By his ability as an airman, outstanding leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of tremendous personal risk, Captain Finn contributed materially to the advance of friendly ground troops in the area and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124)

    Action Date:

    March 20 – 30, 1943
    AFMF PAC SPOT: 7135

    The 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 Second Lieutenant Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 20 to 30 March 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Second Lieutenant Finn contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124)

    Action Date:

    May 31 – June 8, 1943
    AFMF PAC SPOT: 7135

    The 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 First Lieutenant Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 31 May 1943 to 8 June 1943. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Finn contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124)

    Action Date:

    August 14 – 20, 1943
    AFMF PAC SPOT: 7135

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 14 to 20 August 1943. Completing his sixtieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Finn contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.