Navy Federal Credit Union

Herbert Long became a World War II Marine Corps DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down TEN enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Colonel in 1968.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 122 (VMF-122)

    Action Date:

    July 7 – 17, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 7 to 17 July 1943. Leading his four-plane division of fighters in a patrol flight over Rendova Island on 7 July 1943, Captain Long sighted a large number of Japanese twin-engined bombers and protecting Zeros. Immediately going into action, he engaged one of the hostile bombers and pursuing his target with relentless fire, forced him down and destroyed him. On 17 July, as a member of a fighter escort for our bombers striking against enemy shipping at Bougainville Island, Captain Long boldly intercepted a Zero attacking one of the striking force and shot him down in flames. His superb airmanship and gallant fighting spirit which enabled to destroy a total of five planes in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    January 5 – 8, 1943

    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 Major Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 5 to 8 January 1943. Major Long completed his twentieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred, and 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Action Date:

    January 22 – 24, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 22 to 24 January 1943. Major Long completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred, and 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 5 – June 21, 1943

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in a Marine Fighting Squadron, in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 5 January 1943 to 21 June 1943.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 20, 1966 – September 3, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in various capacities with the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 20 August 1966 to 3 September 1967. Throughout this period, Colonel Long performed his demanding duties with outstanding professionalism and resourcefulness. In his initial assignment as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, he exhibited keen foresight and exceptional technical skill in transforming the wing’s extensive logistical elements into a highly efficient and integrated supply system, despite the adverse conditions of heat, humidity, blowing sand and the relentless monsoon rains. With superior organizational ability, he supervised and coordinated the wing’s transportation, maintenance, electrical and utilities support programs and directed the policy for employment of indigenous labor. On 4 February 1967, Colonel Long was reassigned as Deputy Chief of Staff, a billet he filled most admirable until he assumed the duties of Chief of Staff on 1 April 1967. Responsible for the guidance of the entire staff in providing effective and responsive air support, he demonstrated outstanding judgment in evaluating the overall concept of combat effectiveness. Through his complete understanding and appreciation of the function of each section, he coordinated their efforts and provided appropriate supervision. Despite the strain of sustained combat operations, he demonstrated great skill in rapidly identifying problem areas and initiating prompt, corrective action. Undeterred by personnel shortages, lack of supplies and equipment, erratic communications and the wide dispersal of his forces, he applied his managerial ability with seemingly tireless energy to overcome all obstacles and accomplish his assigned mission. In addition, he gave informative and detailed briefings for numerous senior staff officers, congressmen and other government officials concerning the Marine Corps’ operational policy and performance record in Southeast Asia. Throughout, Colonel Long’s responsible assistance and advice to the Commanding General were of incalculable value in formulating future plans of operation. By his superior professionalism, inspiring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Colonel Long rendered distinguished service to his country and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Long is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 5 – June 21, 1943

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in a Marine Fighting Squadron, in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 5 January 1943 to 21 June 1943.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    February 17 – March 17, 1945

    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 Major Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane embarked in the U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)), in action against Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area from 17 February 1945 to 17 March 1945. Major Long completed his sixtieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred, and 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 122 (VMF-122)

    Action Date:

    June 16 – 21, 1943

    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 Major Herbert Harvey Long (MCSN: 0-7989), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-122), in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 16 to 21 June 1943. Major Long completed his sixtieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred, and 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.