Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
McRae
Henderson
MIA (WWII) KIA
November 19, 1916

–

June 15, 1944

Born:

Lakeland

, 

Florida

Home:

Lakeland

, 

Florida

Buried: 

Honolulu

, 

Hawaii

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Paul Henderson became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. The four victories he claimed on June 15, 1944, gve him ACE status when added to a previous victory, but after knocking four enemy aircraft down, he was himself shot down and killed in that same mission.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 1 (VF-1)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 335 (February 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Paul McRae Henderson (NSN: 0-114325), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ONE (VF-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), over Iwo Jima on 15 June 1944. Lieutenant Henderson was attacked by an overwhelming number of Japanese aircraft. Engaging them in fierce combat and, fighting persistently and with outstanding skill, he blasted four from the sky. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.