Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Besby
Frank
Holmes
December 5, 1917

–

July 23, 2006

Cemetery:

Golden Gate National Cemetery

The 432-mile low-level intercept mission to attack and shoot down Admiral Yamamoto was the longest successful fighter intercept mission flown during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force (Detached)

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1943
    Commander Southern Pacific Fleet: Serial 001038 (June 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, attached to a Marine Fighter Command in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 18 April 1943. Participating in a dangerously long interception flight, First Lieutenant Holmes contacted a hostile formation consisting of two Japanese bombers and six escorting fighters in a complete surprise approach. Skillfully out-maneuvering the enemy, he pressed home his tactical advantage and struck fiercely, destroying one of the violently attacking enemy fighters. Shortly thereafter, upon sighting a lone enemy bomber approaching Kahili, First Lieutenant Holmes immediately took the offensive and sent the hostile plane flaming into the sea. His brilliant airmanship and determined fighting spirit throughout a daring and vital mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Services.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Holmes culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.