Navy Federal Credit Union

The Pilot of Lieutenant (j.g.) Oehlert’s PB4Y was Commander Bruce Van Voorhis, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 102 (VB-102)

    Action Date:

    July 6, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Herschel Allen Oehlert, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane of Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO (VB-102), operating against the enemy on Japanese-held Greenwich Islands during the Battle of the Solomon Islands, on 6 July 1943. Fully aware of the limited chance of surviving an urgent mission, voluntarily undertaken to prevent a surprise Japanese attack against our forces, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Oehlert rendered gallant service throughout the perilous 700-mile flight in total darkness, through treacherous winds, and without escort or support. Over the target, he remained cool and courageous as his plane, forced lower and lower by pursuing aircraft, executed six bold, ground-level attacks to annihilate the enemy’s vital radio station, installations, anti-aircraft guns and personnel, and to destroy one hostile plane in the air and three on the water. Crashing into the lagoon off the beach when his plane was caught in its own bomb blast, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Oehlert had made a decisive contribution to a mission completed despite almost insuperable odds and, by his valiant devotion to duty, had enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.