Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert DeHaven became a World War II DOUBLE ACE, credited with destroying 14 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 damaged between July 1943 and November 1944, while flying P-40’s and P-38 Lightnings. He left active duty after the war and served in the reserves until joining the California Air National Guard in 1946. He tried acting for a short time and then worked for Hughes Aircraft Company as a test pilot and personal pilot for Howard Hughes for over 30 years.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    7th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Marshall DeHaven (ASN: 0-73619), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    7th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Marshall DeHaven (ASN: 0-73619), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    7th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Marshall DeHaven (ASN: 0-73619), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Madang, New Guinea, on 10 December 1943. When eight P-40s encountered twice as many Japanese fighters, Lieutenant DeHaven intercepted an enemy aircraft which was firing on his flight leader. After scoring with a short burst, he saw the pilot abandon his plane and parachute to earth about for miles Southwest of Alexishafen. This was the fifth enemy airplane destroyed by Lieutenant DeHaven in aerial combat.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    7th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 1758 (August 3, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Marshall DeHaven (ASN: 0-73619), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant DeHaven, 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    7th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    49th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 162 (March 23, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Marshall DeHaven (ASN: 0-73619), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Wewak, New Guinea, on 23 January 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant DeHaven, 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.