Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Lofton
Russell
Henderson
MIA (WWII) KIA
May 24, 1903

–

June 5, 1942

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Lofton Henderson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He was Killed in Action during the Battle of Midway. When U.S. Marines landed at Guadalcanal in August 1942 and established the critical airfield on that island, they named that field “Henderson Field” in memory of the service and valor of Major Lofton Henderson.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22)

    Division:

    Naval Air Station, Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Lofton Russell Henderson (MCSN: 0-4084), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Squadron Commander and a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Major Henderson, with keen judgment and courageous aggressiveness in the face of strong enemy fighter opposition, led his squadron in an attack which contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy. He was subsequently reported as missing it action. It is believed he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.