James A. Shelton
Encyclopedia
James A. Shelton was born in Denton, Montana
in 1916, and enlisted in the United States Navy
on 15 January 1941. Appointed an aviation cadet on 20 March 1941, he trained at Pensacola
, Miami, and San Diego
. Ensign Shelton was assigned to Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6) on 17 April 1942 and was reported missing on 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway
. For his heroism and devotion to duty, Ensign Shelton was awarded the Navy Cross
posthumously.
Denton, Montana
Denton is a town in Fergus County, Montana, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Denton is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land....
in 1916, and enlisted in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
on 15 January 1941. Appointed an aviation cadet on 20 March 1941, he trained at Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola or NAS Pensacola , "The Cradle of Naval Aviation", is a United States Navy base located next to Warrington, Florida, a community southwest of the Pensacola city limits...
, Miami, and San Diego
Naval Station San Diego
Naval Base San Diego is the largest base of the United States Navy on the west coast of the United States, in San Diego, California. Naval Base San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, consisting of 54 ships and over 120 tenant commands. The base is composed of 13 piers stretched...
. Ensign Shelton was assigned to Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6) on 17 April 1942 and was reported missing on 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
. For his heroism and devotion to duty, Ensign Shelton was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
posthumously.