Richard C. Mangrum
Encyclopedia
Richard C. Mangrum was a United States Marine Corps
lieutenant general
who served as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
from 1965 to 1967. Mangrum was a Marine Corps aviator
who was awarded the Navy Cross
and the Distinguished Flying Cross
for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign
in World War II
.
On October 1, 1965, Mangrum became the "Gray Eagle" of Naval Aviation
, and is the first Marine Aviator to attain this distinction.
. He graduated from the University of Washington
in 1928. Mangrum then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to become a naval aviator. He completed flight training on August 20, 1929 and was commissioned a second lieutenant shortly thereafter.
On December 7, 1941, Mangrum, then with VMSB-232, was at Pearl Harbor
. Twenty of his squadron's SBD Dauntless dive bombers
were destroyed on the tarmac at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa
. During the early months of the Guadalcanal Campaign
in 1942, he commanded VMSB-232, the first scout bomber squadron to join the Cactus Air Force
. On August 20, Mangrum's dozen SBD Dauntless aircraft launched from the deck of the USS Long Island (CVE-1)
escorted by F4F Wildcats from Maj John Smith's
VMF-223 to become the first Marine planes to land on the new airfield that had just been constructed. They were met on the tarmac by Alexander Vandegrift
then commanding general of the 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the Navy Cross
and Distinguished Flying Cross
for successful attacks on Japanese naval units during engagements such as the Battle of the Eastern Solomons
. During his first 29 days ashore during the battle, Mangrum flew 28 missions including ten strikes, eight searches and seven reconnaissance patrols in support of both ground and naval forces.
Mangrum left Guadalcanal on October 14, 1942 as the only pilot from his squadron able to walk away from Henderson Field. Seven had been killed, four were wounded and all of the others had been flown out for hospitalization. Returning to the United States, he served as Commanding Officer, Cadet Regiment at Naval Air Training Center, Corpus Christi
, Texas
from 1943 to 1944. He commanded Marine Aircraft Group 93
from May to October 1944, the returned to overseas duty in the Pacific, serving as Chief of Staff, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
until January 1945. Mangrum was awarded the Legion of Merit
as commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 45, based on Ulithi
, Western Caroline Islands
, until October 1945.
He returned to the United States at the end of World War II, and was assigned duty in Headquarters Marine Corps
to re-activate the Marine Corps Reserve aviation organization, serving until July 1948. He was a graduate of the Naval War College
Senior Course in 1949, and from 1949–1951, served on the Faculty in the Strategy and Tactics Department.
Mangrum was awarded a second Legion of Merit with Combat "V" during the Korean War
, 1951, for duty as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 12
. Later, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" as First Marine Aircraft Wing Liaison Officer to Headquarters, 5th Air Force
in Seoul, Korea in 1952.
Returning to the United States, Mangrum served as Deputy Director, Marine Corps Educational Center, Marine Corps Schools, Marine Corps Base Quantico
, Virginia
, from 1952 to 1954. He commanded Marine Corps Air Station Miami from 1954 to 1955 and Marine Aircraft Group 31
(MAG-31) (Reinforced) from 1955 to 1956. He also commanded the Marine Air-Ground Landing Force in Atlantic Fleet amphibious exercises before going to Washington, D.C. in June 1956.
He was promoted to brigadier general on July 1, 1956, and served as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, for strategic plans and Joint Chiefs of Staff matters.
Mangrum served with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
in Japan, February 1959, as Assistant Wing Commander. He was promoted to major general on November 1, 1959, and served as the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
until April 1960.
He then served as Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
, 1960–1961, and later Commanding General, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
, October 1961 to August 1963. General Mangrum was named Director, Marine Corps Educational Center, Quantico, and served there from 1963-1965.
On October 1, 1965, General Mangrum succeeded to the title "Gray Eagle" of Naval Aviation
, becoming the first Marine Aviator to attain this distinction. The "Gray Eagle" is the earliest designated aviator on active duty in the Navy and Marine Corps. Mangrum was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1929.
He assumed office as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
on July 1, 1965, and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant general. He retired June 30, 1967 after being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
.
He died on September 28, 1985 in Southern Pines, North Carolina at the age of 78. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery
on October 4, 1985.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
lieutenant general
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
who served as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...
from 1965 to 1967. Mangrum was a Marine Corps aviator
Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
who 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...
and the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign
Guadalcanal campaign
The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
On October 1, 1965, Mangrum became the "Gray Eagle" of Naval Aviation
Gray Eagle Award
The Gray Eagle Award is presented to the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time....
, and is the first Marine Aviator to attain this distinction.
Biography
Richard C. Mangrum was born on October 27, 1906 in Seattle, WashingtonSeattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
. He graduated from the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
in 1928. Mangrum then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to become a naval aviator. He completed flight training on August 20, 1929 and was commissioned a second lieutenant shortly thereafter.
On December 7, 1941, Mangrum, then with VMSB-232, was at Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
. Twenty of his squadron's SBD Dauntless dive bombers
SBD Dauntless
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a naval dive bomber made by Douglas during World War II. The SBD was the United States Navy's main dive bomber from mid-1940 until late 1943, when it was largely replaced by the SB2C Helldiver...
were destroyed on the tarmac at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa
Marine Corps Air Station Ewa
Marine Corps Air Station Ewa was a United States Marine Corps air station that was located west of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The base was hit during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and later served as the hub for all Marine aviation units heading into combat in the Pacific Theater...
. During the early months of the Guadalcanal Campaign
Guadalcanal campaign
The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II...
in 1942, he commanded VMSB-232, the first scout bomber squadron to join the Cactus Air Force
Cactus Air Force
Cactus Air Force refers to the ensemble of Allied air power assigned to the island of Guadalcanal from August 1942 until December 1942 during the early stages of the Guadalcanal Campaign, particularly those operating from Henderson Field...
. On August 20, Mangrum's dozen SBD Dauntless aircraft launched from the deck of the USS Long Island (CVE-1)
USS Long Island (CVE-1)
USS Long Island was lead ship of her class and the first escort carrier of the United States Navy...
escorted by F4F Wildcats from Maj John Smith's
John Lucian Smith
John Lucian Smith is a Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Corps ace who, as Commanding Officer of VMF-223 shot down 19 Japanese planes in World War II and led his squadron to a destroy a total of 83 enemy aircraft during the Solomon Islands campaign.-Biography:John Lucian Smith was born on...
VMF-223 to become the first Marine planes to land on the new airfield that had just been constructed. They were met on the tarmac by Alexander Vandegrift
Alexander Vandegrift
Alexander Archer Vandegrift, KBE, CB was a General in the United States Marine Corps. He commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of World War II — Battle of Guadalcanal. For his actions during the Solomon Islands campaign, he received the Medal of Honor...
then commanding general of the 1st Marine Division. He 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...
and Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
for successful attacks on Japanese naval units during engagements such as the Battle of the Eastern Solomons
Battle of the Eastern Solomons
The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons (also known as the Battle of the Stewart Islands and, in Japanese sources, as the , took place on 24–25 August 1942, and was the third carrier battle of the Pacific campaign...
. During his first 29 days ashore during the battle, Mangrum flew 28 missions including ten strikes, eight searches and seven reconnaissance patrols in support of both ground and naval forces.
Mangrum left Guadalcanal on October 14, 1942 as the only pilot from his squadron able to walk away from Henderson Field. Seven had been killed, four were wounded and all of the others had been flown out for hospitalization. Returning to the United States, he served as Commanding Officer, Cadet Regiment at Naval Air Training Center, Corpus Christi
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi , also known as Truax Field, is a naval base located six miles southeast of the central business district of Corpus Christi, in Nueces County, Texas, USA.-History:...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
from 1943 to 1944. He commanded Marine Aircraft Group 93
Marine Aircraft Group 93
Marine Aircraft Group 93 was s United States Marine Corps aviation group established during World War II. MAG-93, a dive bombing training group, was commissioned on 1 April 1944 and was headquartered at Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Bogue, North Carolina. Their mission was to train pilots to fly...
from May to October 1944, the returned to overseas duty in the Pacific, serving as Chief of Staff, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing is the major west coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and provides the aviation combat element for I Marine Expeditionary Force...
until January 1945. Mangrum was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
as commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 45, based on Ulithi
Ulithi
Ulithi is an atoll in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean, about 191 km east of Yap. It consists of 40 islets totalling , surrounding a lagoon about long and up to wide—at one of the largest in the world. It is administered by the state of Yap in the Federated States of...
, Western Caroline Islands
Caroline Islands
The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago of tiny islands in the western Pacific Ocean, to the north of New Guinea. Politically they are divided between the Federated States of Micronesia in the eastern part of the group, and Palau at the extreme western end...
, until October 1945.
He returned to the United States at the end of World War II, and was assigned duty in Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
to re-activate the Marine Corps Reserve aviation organization, serving until July 1948. He was a graduate of the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
Senior Course in 1949, and from 1949–1951, served on the Faculty in the Strategy and Tactics Department.
Mangrum was awarded a second Legion of Merit with Combat "V" during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, 1951, for duty as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 12
Marine Aircraft Group 12
Marine Aircraft Group 12 is an active air group of the United States Marine Corps, tasked with providing assault support aircraft. It is currently part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing , itself an integral part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and based at MCAS Iwakuni in Japan.-Mission:The...
. Later, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" as First Marine Aircraft Wing Liaison Officer to Headquarters, 5th Air Force
Fifth Air Force
The Fifth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces . It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan....
in Seoul, Korea in 1952.
Returning to the United States, Mangrum served as Deputy Director, Marine Corps Educational Center, Marine Corps Schools, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, from 1952 to 1954. He commanded Marine Corps Air Station Miami from 1954 to 1955 and Marine Aircraft Group 31
Marine Aircraft Group 31
Marine Aircraft Group 31 is a United States Marine Corps aviation group based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina that is currently composed of four F/A-18C squadrons, one F/A-18A+ squadron, two F/A-18D squadrons and a maintenance and logistics squadron...
(MAG-31) (Reinforced) from 1955 to 1956. He also commanded the Marine Air-Ground Landing Force in Atlantic Fleet amphibious exercises before going to Washington, D.C. in June 1956.
He was promoted to brigadier general on July 1, 1956, and served as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, for strategic plans and Joint Chiefs of Staff matters.
Mangrum served with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps that serves as the Aviation Combat Element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan...
in Japan, February 1959, as Assistant Wing Commander. He was promoted to major general on November 1, 1959, and served as the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps that serves as the Aviation Combat Element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan...
until April 1960.
He then served as Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
The United States Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic is the maritime landing force that are spread across the Atlantic Ocean and reports to the United States Atlantic Command...
, 1960–1961, and later Commanding General, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina...
, October 1961 to August 1963. General Mangrum was named Director, Marine Corps Educational Center, Quantico, and served there from 1963-1965.
On October 1, 1965, General Mangrum succeeded to the title "Gray Eagle" of Naval Aviation
Gray Eagle Award
The Gray Eagle Award is presented to the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time....
, becoming the first Marine Aviator to attain this distinction. The "Gray Eagle" is the earliest designated aviator on active duty in the Navy and Marine Corps. Mangrum was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1929.
He assumed office as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...
on July 1, 1965, and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant general. He retired June 30, 1967 after being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. is located at 8th and I Streets, Southeast in Washington, D.C. Established in 1801, it is a National Historic Landmark, the oldest post in the United States Marine Corps, the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806, and main ceremonial...
.
He died on September 28, 1985 in Southern Pines, North Carolina at the age of 78. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
on October 4, 1985.
Decorations and awards
LtGen. Mangrum's awards include: |
|||
| Naval Aviator Badge United States Aviator Badge A United States Aviator Badge refers to three types of aviation badges issued by the United States military, those being for Army, Air Force, and Naval aviation.... |
|||
| 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... |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s & valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
| Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... w/ 2 award stars |
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... w/ valor device |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal w/ 1 service star |
| American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... w/ 1 clasp Medal bar A medal bar or medal clasp is a thin metal bar attached to the ribbon of a military decoration, civil decoration, or other medal. It is most commonly used to indicate the campaign or operation the recipient received the award for, and multiple bars on the same medal are used to indicate that the... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 4 service stars |
World War II Victory Medal |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... w/ 3 service stars |
Korean Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units... |
United Nations Korea Medal |
Navy Cross citation
- The President of the United StatesPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard C. Mangrum (0-4412), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession Leader and as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron Two Hundred Thirty-Two (VMSB-232), Marine Air Group Twenty-Three (MAG-23), First Marine Aircraft Wing1st Marine Aircraft WingThe 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps that serves as the Aviation Combat Element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan...
, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon IslandsSolomon IslandsSolomon Islands is a sovereign state in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. It covers a land mass of . The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal...
Area from 20 August 1942 to 15 September 1942. Commanding a Navy and Marine Corps striking force of sixteen planes, Lieutenant Colonel Mangrum intercepted and attacked an enemy task force of surface craft which was planning to attack our beachhead on Guadalcanal. Striking with lightening-like precision, his planes dropped all their bombs before the enemy surface craft could initiate evasive action, making a direct hit on the largest transport, blasting men and debris into the water, and setting the ship on fire. After a cruiser was also hit and left burning, later to disappear, the Japanese were forced to withdraw and abandon their mission. Lieutenant Colonel Mangrum's high quality of leadership and the aggressive spirit of his command in action contributed in large measure to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
See also
- Assistant Commandant of the Marine CorpsAssistant Commandant of the Marine CorpsThe Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...
- Commandant of the Marine CorpsCommandant of the Marine CorpsThe Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...