Navy Federal Credit Union

Pilot John Manders was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for the mission against Hansa Bay on January 30, 1944, and all five members of his air crew were awarded the Silver Star. All six airmen were missing in action and subsequently found to have been killed in action.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    501st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    345th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 134 (March 13, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Henry C. Rensink (ASN: 39388061), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Flight Engineer and Gunner of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 501st Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 30 January 1944, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. Staff Sergeant Rensink B-25D Mitchell Bomber took off from Horanda on a low-level strike mission against Japanese shipping in Hansa Bay, located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Over the target his bomber was hit by 75-mm. anti-aircraft fire from guns on shore nearby. Severely damaged, the B-25D exploded and crashed into Hansa Bay near a Japanese ship that had been targeted during the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Rensink, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.