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Wilhelm
George
Esders
October 11, 1914

–

All twelve pilots of Torpedo Squadron 3 who fought at Midway received the Navy Cross. Ten of the twelve were Missing in Action. Of the two who survived, Wilhelm Esders was the only one to survive the war.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radio Electrician

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 4 – 5, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943) & 321 (December 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Radio Electrician Wilhelm George Esders, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands on 4 – 5 October 1942. While serving in a Torpedo Bomber in an attack on a heavy cruiser, he assisted in making two hits and a probable third, despite poor visibility and very heavy gunfire from the cruiser and three accompanying destroyers. The next day he took part in the bombing of an ammunition dump at Cape Esperance, resulting in a terrific explosion.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Aviation Pilot

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Aviation Pilot Wilhelm George Esders, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE (VT-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. During participation in a Torpedo Plane assault on Japanese naval units, Ensign Esders, observing his Squadron Commander crash in flames, gallantly took the lead of the squadron and pressed home the attack to a point where it became relatively certain that the successful accomplishment of his mission would entail a great loss of life. Nevertheless, by his courageous initiative and aggressive leadership, he enabled his squadron to reach its objective and score several hits on enemy aircraft carriers. His loyal devotion to duty and utter disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.