Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Gunter
Crommelin
MIA (WWII) KIA
January 8, 1917

–

July 14, 1945

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Lieutenant Crommelin graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis with the Class of 1938. He was one of FIVE brothers who graduated from the Naval Academy, each serving with distinction during World War II, a record that remains unmatched. After earning two Navy Crosses early in World War II, he was officially reported Missing In Action on July 14, 1945, when the plane in which he was flying a unit of Fighting Squadron 88 was lost after a mid-air collision with an American plane near Hokkaido, Japan.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    World War II
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Richard Gunter Crommelin (NSN: 0-81127), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 88 (VF-88)

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1944 – July 14, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Richard Gunter Crommelin (NSN: 0-81127), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-EIGHT (VF-88) during the period from 15 August 1944, the date of its commissioning, until 14 July 1945. Throughout the period of organization and training of his squadron he pressed forward its preparation for combat duty with unflagging zeal and unerring foresight. His inspiring leadership consistently maintained the training and combat efficiency of his squadron at a high level, and as the senior squadron commander, his outstanding professional skill, initiative and judgment enabled him to render invaluable service to the Group as a whole. His performance of duty and outstanding service were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Gunter Crommelin (NSN: 0-81127), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Through his courage, skill and perseverance Lieutenant Crommelin played an important part in the disruption of a bombing attack directed against the U.S.S. YORKTOWN by a formation of eighteen Japanese dive bombers with fighter escort. Intercepting and vigorously attacking the fighters, he personally shot one down in flames and damaged another, thus helping prevent further damage to the other friendly craft engaged in breaking up the dive-bombing attack. The outstanding courage and determined skill displayed by Lieutenant Crommelin were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Gunter Crommelin (NSN: 0-81127), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. As leader of a section of the combat air patrol on 7 May, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Crommelin conducted a determined and decisive attack against an enemy Japanese four-engine patrol plane which resulted in the destruction of that plane, thereby preventing the detection of our forces by the enemy. His aggressive spirit of fearlessness in facing great odds to make eight successive attacks against six enemy fighters attacking our surface forces and harassing our anti-Torpedo Plane patrol resulted in the destruction of two enemy fighters and severe damage to several others. His conduct in these engagements was characterized by unusual leadership, prompt and sound judgment in the accomplishment of his mission and a complete disregard for his own personal safety.