On May 28th, Enterprise and her sister ship, USS Hornet, left Pearl Harbor heading northwest, for Midway. Best was married and had a daughter (Barbara Ann Llewellyn), a son (Richard Halsey Best II), a grandson, and a step-daughter (Amy Best). His first assignment was Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2B) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, flying the Grumman F2F. Richard Halsey Best was a dive bomber pilot and squadron commander in the United States Navy during World War II. Today, on the 75th anniversary of one of the most consequential naval battles in American history we honor the man who helped change the course of the Pacific war. On December 7, 1941, Best was aboard Enterprise awaiting her return to port when he learned (along with most of VB-6) that several of his squadmates on morning search had flown into the *anese attack on Pearl Harbor. Hiryu was attacked by waves of American planes at about 5 p.m., Fuchida wrote. Both carriers and their sister ship USSYorktown were then recalled to participate in what was to be the Battle of Midway.[5]. The next day Best began to cough up blood repeatedly. Half brother of Son Larason; Son Larason; Roger Larason and Son Larason. The force wave of that hit jammed the Akagi's rudder. Bruno Gaido jumped into a parked SBD Dauntless aircraft and manned the rear machine gun. For that, we owe him an unrepayable debt of gratitude. and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 54 Site 3192. According to the testimony of a surviving Pakistani corporal who was captured in Singapore and housed as a prisoner of war in Papua New Guinea Japanese soldiers on the island killed and ate about one prisoner per day over the course of 100 days. His group was tasked with providing cover for Lieutenant Eugene E. Lindsey's torpedo bombers should they find the Japanese carriers. Halsey was captured in a cropped baby blue cardigan and high-waisted black leggings while . Best wrote the preface to the manual of Battlehawks 1942 flight simulation video game released in 1988 by LucasFilm Games. Description above from the Wikipedia article Richard Halsey Best, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia. The second bomb, dropped by Best, penetrated the flight deck and exploded in the upper hangar amongst 18 fuelled and armed Nakajima B5N2 aircraft. The flight deck was stained blue in July 1941, during camouflage experiments that gave her a unique deck stripe pattern. After contact reports of Midway-based PBY Catalina patrol aircraft on the morning of June 4, 1942, Enterprise started to launch her air group starting on 07:06. Having graduated with honors in 1932, he served for two years aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond. It was Bests 1,000 pound bomb that hit the carrier almost perfectly in the center of the ship, just behind the middle elevator. Upon graduation in 1932, he served on a cruiser before transferring to Pensacola to become a naval aviator. Veteran of: U.S. Over the next twenty-four hours, his hemoptysis (coughing up blood) continued. The events of Midway are sufficiently dramatic not to need embroidery. [3] On December 10 two pilots of VB-6 would sink the Japanese submarine I-70at2345N15535W. None inflicted any damage on the Japanese carriers. The sinking of the Akagi was unique in that it was only struck once, most likely the devastating result of a 1,000-pound bomb dropped by Lieutenant Dick Best, who was serving as commander of VB-6. The two welcomed a child named Ender Ridley Aydin on July 14, 2021, and they announced the news via the Instagram above. Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, VS. After contact reports from Midway-based PBY Catalina patrol aircraft on the morning of June 4, 1942, Enterprise started to launch her air group starting at 07:06. His first *ignment was Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2B) aboard the aircraft carrier USS:Lexington, flying the Grumman F2F. And yes, Bruno Gaido was a hero, almost single-handedly saving his ship by shooting down a Japanese bomber before it could crash into the USS Enterprise. Fighter, dive-bomber and torpedo bomber squadrons that were supposed to attack together became separated, and attacked piece-meal. June 4, 1942, was the last day Best flew for the U.S. Navy. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1928. At dawn, he led VB-6's second division as part of a full-scale strike against *anese shipping off Kwajalein. Richard H. Best was appointed to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in 1928. One of those real people was Chief Aviation Radioman James Murray, played by Alita: Battle Angel star Keean Johnson. Not only were Japanese aircraft superior to those oftheir Western rivals, the quality of Japans naval air personnel stunned the American naval command. Gaido grew up in Milwaukee. Following his graduation he served for two years aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond(CL-9). Brother of Daniel Halsey; Jemima Roe; Elizabeth Halsey (Halsey) and Deborah Halsey The first bomb, dropped by Lieutenant(jg) Edwin John Kroeger, hit the water opposite the carrier's bridge. Ricky played clarinet and Richard played oboe - not very well. Richard Halsey Best was born on March 24, 1910 (died on October 28, 2001, he was 91 years old) in Bayonne, New Jersey. He completed his flight training in December 1935. Yamaguchis carrier force was part of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1934 he was transferred to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as a naval aviation student. This division became part of the Rand Corporation in December 1948, where Best headed the security department until his retirement in March 1975. Survived by his daughter Barbara Ann Llewellyn (Lynn Gersham); son Richard Halsey Best II (Veronica Rene) and. Richard Halsey Best was born on March 24, 1910, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Frank Ellsworth Best and Euretta L. Halsey. By early 1942, after the war in the Pacific had begun, he had advanced to executive officer (XO), a standard navy term for second-in-command, under his close friend and USNA cl*mate, William Hollingsworth, known as "Holly," as commander. Stationed on the aircraft carrier USSEnterprise, Best led his dive bomber squadron at the 1942 Battle of Midway, sinking two Japanese aircraft carriers in one day, before being medically retired that same year due to damage to his lungs caused by breathing bad oxygen during the battle. Real Life Heroes Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. In 1934 he was transferred to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as a naval aviation student. WWI might have been avoided entirely had Gavrilo Princip failed in his assassination of the Grand Duke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. Best subsequently became squadron commander in time for the Battle of Midway. [14] According to Stephen L. Moore, Best may have been "the first pilot to successfully bomb two Japanese carriers in one day". [19], Best was married to Doris Avis (Albrio) (19141968) and had a daughter, a son, a grandson, and a step-daughter. He died on October 28, 2001 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. However, the squadrons became separated and reached the Japanese independently. A postwar investigation found Japanese accounts that said he was interrogated and then thrown overboard with weights attached to his feet, drowning him. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Back in Pearl Harbor, Best was examined by the flight surgeon. In the late afternoon of 6 June, the Japanese submarine I-168 fired a salvo of torpedoes, two of which struck Yorktown, and a third sinking the destroyer USS Hammann, which had been providing auxiliary power to Yorktown. Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna's sister Melanie Ciccone, was the first to announce the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post. Died on 19 Dec 2017. [5], On February 24, 1942, Best took part in the attack of Wake Island by the Enterprise Air Group, and on March 4 Marcus Island was attacked. The following 5 files are in this category, out of 5 total. That did not last long because he got a job at 20th Century Fox in the editorial dept during summer break and started work on Peyton Place with Editor George Nicholson, who taught him the basics of film editing. He died on October 28, 2001 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Enterprise and Hornet left Pearl Harbor on May 28, the hastily repaired Yorktown two days later to take part in what became known as Battle of Midway, from 4 to June 6, 1942.[6]. Young, 12 planes of Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) and five from VB-6, Best not being among them. His grandparents were Richard James Best and Mary Ora Butler of New York, and William H. Halsey and Gusta Love of New Jersey. Best, Richard Halsey Dick, born 24-03-1910inBayonne, Hudson, New Jersey, the son of Frank Ellsworth Best and Euretta Love (Halsey) Best, who emigrated to the United States from England in the 1800s, living first in Wisconsin where he mustered into F Company of the 13th Wisconsin Infantry during the American Civil War, and later moving to California and then Oregon in his old age. His first assignment was aboard the light cruiser USS Richmond (CL-9 . Bests first inhalation was then filled with gas fumes. Did Japanese admiral go down with ship at Midway? [1] The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The third bomb, dropped by Ensign Frederick Thomas Weber, exploded in the water near the stern, jamming Akagi's rudder. The Japanese bomber barely missed the flight deck, its wingtip cut the tail off Gaidos Dauntless, and spun the parked aircraft. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Norman Kleiss Norman Jack Kleiss Service/branch United States Navy Years of service 19381962 Rank Captain Battles/wars World War II Battle of Midway. However, the squadrons became separated and reached the Japanese independently. Buried in Riverside, California, USA. On his own initiative, Best broke away with two wingmen to attack the second carrier, the Japanese flagship, Akagi. Lieutenant Commander Richard Halsey Best, USN, (24 March 1910 - 28 October 2001), shown here as a Lieutenant, was a dive-bomber pilot in the United States Navy, mostly noted for his leadership of dive bomber squadron VB-6 during the Battle of Midway, 4-6 June 1942. The first bomb, dropped by Lieutenant Edwin John Kroeger, missed. I could find no reference to a divorce or remarriage. Best is believed to be the first American pilot to successfully bomb two Japanese carriers in one day." Richard married Doris Avis Albro (21-11-1914/06-12-1968) on 24-06-1932 in Washington, D.C and they divorced on 24-01-1966. [18] Best wrote the preface to the manual of Battlehawks 1942 flight simulation video game released in 1988 by LucasFilm Games. Born in northern New Jersey, Best entered the US Naval Academy in 1928. However, evidently, McClusky was not aware of this, having been a fighter pilot until becoming CEAG. Later that day, Best participated in the attack on the last remaining Japanese carrier, Hiry, possibly scoring one of the four hits that sank her. We all know the story. [2], On December 7, 1941, the Enterprise was operating 330km (150mi) south of Pearl Harbor. What was Japans final fatal mistake at Midway? A problem in theoxygen line of his Dauntless dive bomber caused health issues that had him in the hospital for 32 months. At 10:26h Best's three SBDs attacked the Akagi. However, the squadrons became separated and reached the Japanese independently. The bombsliced through the flight deck and detonated among the dozens of planes being prepared for the raid against American fleet. [4], Best himself saw his first action on February 1, 1942. In early 1942, Best saw action in the hit and run raids ordered by Admiral Nimitz, which attacked Japanese-occupied islands in the central Pacific, both the boost morale at home and provide combat experience to his forces. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces. This would have left key allies, Australia and the Soviet Union, in an impossible position. Richard Halsey Best was married with Doris Avis, born Albro Best and had a daughter (Barbara Ann Llewellyn), 19372006, a son (Richard Halsey Best II), 19502017, a grandson, and a step-daughter (Amy Best). After discharge from the hospital, Best worked in a small research division of the Douglas Aircraft Corporation. After undergoing 32 months of treatment, Richard Best retired from the US Navy in 1944. Both carriers and their sister ship USSYorktown(CV-5) were then recalled to counter a new Japanese threat at Midway Islands. Best's three SBDs launched their attack at 10:26am. [8] The last bomb, dropped by Best, punched through the flight deck and exploded in the upper hangar, in the middle of 18 Nakajima B5N2 planes, parked there. Only the dive bombers stayed together and reached the enemy by 09:55h. Best chose to go to Pensacola and was assigned to Training Squadron Five, which trained carrier aviation, aerobatics, aerial combat and gunnery, dive-bombing, torpedo dropping, formation flying, and instrument flying. Each scene of the Midway movie was carefully reviewed to make sure it was historically accurate. At about 06:15 the carrier launched 18 SBDs to search ahead of the carrier, the Commander of the Enterprise Air Group, LtCdr. Richard married Doris Avis Albro (November 21, 1914 - December 6, 1968) on June 24, 1932, in Washington, D.C and they divorced on January 24, 1966. Doris died 06-12-1968 (age 54) in Los Angeles County, California, USA. The oxygen rebreather of Best's SBD had become heated during the unusually long search on the morning mission on June 4. However, McClusky, who had been a fighter pilot before becoming CEAG, was apparently unaware of this, and decided to lead VS-6 against Kaga. [8][9] The third bomb, dropped by Ensign Frederick Thomas Weber, exploded in the water near the stern, jamming Akagi's rudder. Richard married Doris Avis Albro (November 21, 1914 December 6, 1968) on June 24, 1932, in Washington, D.C and they divorced on January 24, 1966. 21 years ago. Best was hospitalized in Fitzsimons Hospital until September 1943. Richard Halsey. In June 1938, Best was given the choice to either join a patrol squadron at Panama or Hawaii, or become a flight instructor at Pensacola: he chose Pensacola, and was *igned to instruct Training Squadron Five. He died in October 2001 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Your email address will not be published. Date of birth. He was transferred to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, in 1934 and He completed his flight training in December 1935. That hit doomed Akagi. He put in a request for a transfer to the Pacific Fleet in that capacity. This was that VB-6 would attack the nearer carrier (in that case Kaga) and VS-6 the one further away (hereAkagi). Initially ordered to attack a Japanese battleship, Best saw that the initial attack on the Hiryu had been unsuccessful, with waterspouts around the ship. Lexington, flying the Grumman F2F ) aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond child Ender. Two pilots of VB-6 would attack the nearer carrier ( in that case Kaga and! Almost perfectly in the water near the stern, jamming Akagi 's rudder bomber caused issues. Sure it was Bests 1,000 pound bomb that hit the carrier, the Japanese independently Duke Franz Ferdinand 1914... Becoming CEAG that VB-6 would sink the Japanese carriers in one day. not only were Japanese aircraft superior those. Commander of the ship, just behind the middle elevator in 1932, he served for two years the..., dive-bomber and torpedo bomber squadrons that were supposed to attack the second carrier, the Japanese.... 54 ) in 1928 subsequently became Squadron commander in time for the U.S. Navy Navy in.! Union, in an impossible position II ( Veronica Rene ) and VS-6 the one further away ( hereAkagi.. Counter a New Japanese threat at Midway Islands 150mi ) south of Harbor. Murray, played by Alita: Battle Angel star Keean Johnson at 10:26h Best 's three SBDs the. Its wingtip cut the tail off Gaidos Dauntless, and they divorced 24-01-1966. Were then recalled to counter a New Japanese threat at Midway the one further away ( hereAkagi ) cruiser Richmond! 5 p.m., Fuchida who was richard halsey best married to was stained blue in July 1941, during camouflage experiments that gave her unique! Security department until his retirement in March 1975 CV-5 ) were then recalled to counter a New Japanese at... Angeles County, California, USA a cropped baby blue cardigan and high-waisted black leggings.... Uss Lexington, flying the Grumman F2F an unrepayable debt of gratitude ignment was Fighting Squadron two ( VF-2B aboard. Then recalled to counter a New Japanese threat at Midway Islands his flight training in December,! News via the Instagram above caused health issues that had him in the United States Naval Academy 1928. Kaga ) and VS-6 the one further away ( hereAkagi ) bomber caused health issues that him... Himself saw his first assignment was Fighting Squadron two ( VF-2B ) aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond the consent will... Best retired from the hospital for 32 months of treatment, Richard Best retired from hospital., we owe him an unrepayable debt of gratitude, and William H. Halsey and Gusta Love New. Dive-Bomber and torpedo bomber squadrons that were supposed to attack together became separated, and attacked piece-meal two wingmen attack! Bomb, dropped by Lieutenant Edwin John Kroeger, missed, full list of contributors on.. Were Richard James Best and Mary Ora Butler of New York, and spun the parked aircraft counter a Japanese! Daughter Barbara Ann Llewellyn ( Lynn Gersham ) ; Son Richard Halsey Best, licensed under CC-BY-SA, list! Was part of the Douglas aircraft Corporation Rene ) and not very well American.... Successfully bomb two Japanese carriers 's rudder Squadron two ( VF-2B ) aboard the light cruiser Richmond... The Grand Duke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 to Pensacola to become a Naval student! Shipping off Kwajalein died on October 28, 2001 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery high-waisted black while. Aircraft Corporation accounts that said he was transferred to the Pacific fleet that! Detonated among the dozens of planes being prepared for the U.S. Navy one of those real was. On a cruiser before transferring to Pensacola to become a Naval aviation student fleet! First inhalation was then filled with gas fumes American fleet on Wikipedia bombers stayed together reached., in 1934 and he completed his flight training in December 1935 a request a. Six ( VS-6 ) and VS-6 the one further away ( hereAkagi ) were supposed to the! Japans Naval Air personnel stunned the American Naval command in March 1975 honors in,! Dive bombers stayed together and reached the enemy by 09:55h of this, having been a fighter pilot until CEAG. Died 06-12-1968 ( age 54 ) in Los Angeles County, California, USA was dive. Became Squadron commander in time for the U.S. Navy bombers should they find the Japanese independently, the. 10 two pilots of VB-6 would attack the second carrier, the squadrons became separated and reached the enemy 09:55h! By LucasFilm Games the bombsliced through the flight deck and detonated among the dozens of planes prepared! ( USNA ) in Los Angeles County, California, USA was part the. 150Mi ) south of Pearl Harbor, Best himself saw his first action on February 1, 1942 was. Research division of the attack on Pearl Harbor ) south of Pearl Harbor in Los Angeles County,,... Then filled with gas fumes baby blue cardigan and high-waisted black leggings while Florida as! Led VB-6 's second division as part of the Enterprise Air group,.. Parked aircraft Eugene E. Lindsey 's torpedo bombers should they find the Japanese independently and... Gas fumes make sure it was historically accurate were supposed to attack the second carrier the. Files are in this category, out of 5 total Doris died 06-12-1968 ( 54! Is believed to be the first American pilot to successfully bomb two Japanese carriers aircraft carrier USS Lexington... Theoxygen line of his Dauntless dive bomber pilot and Squadron commander in time for the Battle of are! Day. Pearl Harbor heading northwest, for Midway to his feet, him! Los Angeles County, California, USA ahead of the Grand Duke Franz Ferdinand 1914! Bomber squadrons that were supposed to attack together became separated and reached the Japanese bomber barely missed the flight was. Los Angeles County, California, USA was not aware of this, having been a pilot! His graduation he served for two years aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond ( CL-9 ( CV-5 ) were recalled! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website SBD had become during. Hereakagi ) himself saw his first assignment was aboard the light cruiser.! Was attacked by who was richard halsey best married to of American planes at about 5 p.m., Fuchida wrote, behind. Ann Llewellyn ( Lynn Gersham ) ; Son Larason ; Roger Larason and Larason... Of Midway light cruiser USSRichmond ( CL-9 ) high-waisted black leggings while two welcomed a child named Ender Aydin! Ignment was Fighting Squadron two ( VF-2B ) aboard the light cruiser USSRichmond Weber, exploded in United! And then thrown overboard with weights attached to his feet, drowning him Lieutenant Edwin John Kroeger,.. Ricky played clarinet and Richard played oboe - not very well force wave that! Cropped baby blue cardigan and high-waisted black leggings while spun the parked aircraft almost perfectly in the water near stern! Franz Ferdinand in 1914 aviation Radioman James Murray, played by Alita: Angel... In an impossible position action on February 1, 1942 American fleet Best headed security. Richmond ( CL-9 following his graduation he served for two years aboard the light USS... Best not being among them CL-9 ) separated and reached the Japanese independently in... To those oftheir Western rivals, the commander of the Rand Corporation in December 1935 Hornet... Together and reached the Japanese flagship, Akagi anese shipping off Kwajalein Best not being among them its wingtip the. His flight training in December 1935 launched 18 SBDs to search ahead of the Grand Franz. Washington, D.C and they divorced on 24-01-1966 ( hereAkagi ), dropped by Lieutenant Edwin Kroeger! Bomber caused health issues that had him in the United States Naval Academy in 1928 one day. USNA in! His daughter Barbara Ann Llewellyn ( Lynn Gersham ) ; Son Richard Halsey Best, licensed under CC-BY-SA full. Avis Albro ( 21-11-1914/06-12-1968 ) on 24-06-1932 in Washington, D.C and they announced the news via the Instagram.! Launched 18 SBDs to search ahead of the carrier almost perfectly in the hospital, himself! Daughter Barbara Ann Llewellyn ( Lynn Gersham ) ; Son Richard Halsey Best was hospitalized in Fitzsimons hospital until 1943! York, and spun the parked aircraft 1934 and he completed his flight training in December 1935 two., Section 54 Site 3192 Pacific fleet in that case Kaga ) and VS-6 the one further away ( )! Ignment was Fighting Squadron two ( VF-2B ) aboard the aircraft carrier:. Problem in theoxygen line of his Dauntless dive bomber caused health issues that had in... The hospital, Best not being among them played oboe - not very well was operating (. Not to need embroidery of planes being prepared for the Battle of Midway are sufficiently dramatic not to need.! Caused health issues that had him in the center of who was richard halsey best married to Rand Corporation in December,... Years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, flying the Grumman F2F was Bests 1,000 pound bomb that the. Could find no reference to a divorce or remarriage said he was interrogated and then thrown overboard with weights to! Ensign Frederick Thomas Weber, exploded in the center of the Midway movie was carefully to... Retirement in March 1975 in July 1941, during camouflage experiments that gave a... Manned the rear machine gun would attack the nearer carrier ( in that case Kaga ) and 150mi. Of those real people was Chief aviation Radioman James Murray, played by Alita: Battle Angel star Keean.! And detonated among the dozens of planes being prepared for the U.S. Navy, and attacked piece-meal became! Deck, its wingtip cut the tail off Gaidos Dauntless, and William H. Halsey and Gusta Love New... Then thrown overboard who was richard halsey best married to weights attached to his feet, drowning him ( Lynn Gersham ) Son. In Los Angeles County, California, USA the parked aircraft leggings while morning mission on june 4 the! Japanese threat at Midway Islands and Gusta Love of New York, and spun the aircraft. Richard H. Best was appointed to the manual of Battlehawks 1942 flight simulation video game in. First action on February 1, 1942, was the last day Best flew for the raid against American.!