Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Zenneth
Arthur
Pond
KIA (WWII)
December 7, 1919

–

September 10, 1942

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Zenneth Pond became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down SIX enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was himself shot down and listed as Missing in Action on September 10, 1942. He is often listed as Kenneth (as opposed to Zenneth) Pond, and in fact, his Navy Cross citation miss-spells his name as Kenneth.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    August 20 – September 10, 1942
    SPOT AWARD: Serial 197 (SofN Signed April 14, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Zenneth Arthur Pond (MCSN: 0-9433), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands from 20 August 1942 to 13 September 1942. Alone, and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, Second Lieutenant Pond courageously attacked and shot down six enemy planes. His outstanding valor and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.