The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John Ward Beebe (MCSN: 0-10206), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 2 February 1943, an enemy task force composed of twenty destroyers, both of the old and the new heavy types, were attacked about one hundred and eighty miles from Guadalcanal at 1700, when the enemy was on a course of one hundred and twenty degrees. In the ensuing engagement three dive bomber planes scored direct hits with one thousand pound bombs upon an enemy destroyer of the newest and heaviest type, causing it to sink within three minutes. Major Roberson was the first to score with a direct hit upon the bridge of the destroyer, followed by Master Technical Sergeant Robert H. Fore with a direct hit amidships, and by First Lieutenant John W. Beebe with a direct hit upon the stern. It is notable that this attack was carried out against highly maneuverable surface craft in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and in the presence of enemy fighter planes. First Lieutenant Beebe’s courage and aerial skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorAction Date:
February 24 – April 16, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Ward Beebe (MCSN: 0-10206), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 24 February to 16 April 1943. Major Beebe completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Night Fighter Squadron 542 (VMF(N)-542)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
September 24, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major John Ward Beebe (MCSN: 0-10206), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Senior Pilot of a flight of aircraft while attached to Marine Night Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMF(N)-542), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 24 September 1950. Engaged in close support of ground forces, Major Beebe led his flight in attacks against a hostile position which was inflicting heavy casualties on friendly forces. Although the target was obscured by dense smoke and haze which made its location from the air extremely difficult, he repeatedly descended to perilously low altitudes through intense enemy anti-aircraft fire in order to neutralize the assigned target. Pressing home his final attack with determination in defiance of all personal danger, Major Beebe lost his life when his plane was struck by enemy fire and crashed. His cool courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Major Beebe and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.