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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Harvey Peter Lanham (NSN: 0-78676/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane and as Commander of Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Bay Area, 16 February 1945. Skillfully leading a daring strike against enemy airborne units, Commander Lanham executed a daring attack, destroying three enemy fighter planes and probably four others despite intense opposition. An alert and aggressive airman, he pressed home low-level strafing attacks against an enemy airfield and, during the same flight, sighted and subsequently reported the position of an enemy aircraft carrier which was sunk the next day by our forces. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Lanham and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)Regiment:
Battle of MidwayAction Date:
June 4 – 6, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Harvey Peter Lanham (NSN: 0-78676/1310), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in aerial flight as a Section Leader of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 – 6 June 1942. Facing intense anti-aircraft barrage, and on one occasion, with fortitude and courage beyond the call of duty, Lieutenant Lanham, flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, pressed home his attacks against enemy Japanese naval units, thus contributing materially to the success of our forces. His complete devotion to duty and disregard for his own life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Harvey Peter Lanham (NSN: 0-78676/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1968 to March 1970 as Commander Fleet Air, Western Pacific. During this period, Rear Admiral Lanham demonstrated marked professional competence, technical knowledge, and foresight in the planning and management of logistic and aviation support for all naval aviation units deployed to and stationed in the Western Pacific Ocean area. Under his expert leadership, the logistic and maintenance support provided by Western Pacific facilities has permitted effective maintenance in aviation units and timely repairs to aircraft carriers during brief in-port periods or while operating at sea, if necessary to prevent disruption of operating schedules. Rear Admiral Lanham’s managerial ability and dedication were primary factors in the early establishment and effective operation of the Fleet Air Support Unit (FASU) at Binh Thuy. He succeeded in gaining the cooperation of all naval aviation units in the Western Pacific in programs which supported and enhanced amicable relations with the friendly countries of Eastern Asia. By his distinguished performance of duty, Rear Admiral Lanham contributed materially to the combat readiness of forces in the Western Pacific area, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 544 (May 18, 1971)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Harvey Peter Lanham (NSN: 0-78676/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1970 to June 1971 as Deputy Naval Inspector General. Rear Admiral Lanham directly supervised the Project for the Phased Reduction of the Naval Shore Establishment, imparting practical and original guidance to his subordinates. His unusual ability to identify and weigh the choices to be made resulted in recommendations that assured proper balance between the Shore Establishment and projected forces afloat. Rear Admiral Lanham also supervised the Tidewater, Virginia; Eleventh Naval District; and Sixth Naval District portions of the Project and Evaluation of Naval District, Shore Command, and Fleet Command Interfaces. His recommended actions, when implemented, will result in streamlining the local Navy organizations while assuring effective support to the Fleet. Rear Admiral Lanham’s professional competence, sound judgment, perseverance, and diplomacy reflect great credit upon himself and the Office of the Naval Inspector General, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Batallion:
Fighting Squadron 81 (VF-81)Division:
U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18)Action Date:
February 16, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0160 (March 15, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Harvey Peter Lanham (NSN: 0-78676/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and as Commander in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Bay Area, 16 February 1945. Leading a concentrated strike against an important enemy airfield, Commander Lanham personally shot down one enemy fighter plane and aided other members of the flight in destroying five more fighters. Skillfully pressing home low-level attacks on the assigned target, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he destroyed two twin-engine planes on the ground. His gallant devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.