Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Dean
Davenport
June 29, 1918

–

February 14, 2000

Born:

Spokane

, 

Washington

Home:

Portland

, 

Oregon

Buried: 

Pensacola

, 

Florida

Cemetery:

Barrancas National Cemetery

Dean Davenport was one of the 80 airmen who, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, disembarked from the U.S.S. Hornet in the first bombing raid over Tokyo in World War II. Following the raid he remained in China until October 1942, and subsequently served as technical advisor for the film “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” that detailed the Doolittle Raid.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1951 – March 31, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 234 (May 17, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Dean Davenport (ASN: 0-427310), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 18 September 1951 to 31 March 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Davenport and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942
    War Department, General Orders No. 33 (July 18, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Dean Davenport (ASN: 0-427310), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a member of the 1st Special Aviation Project, Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force, subsequent to the raid on Japan, 18 April 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Davenport, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Dean Davenport (ASN: 0-427310), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Lieutenant Davenport with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service.