Mangrum, Richard, LtGen

On October 1, 1965, General Mangrum succeeded to the title "Gray Eagle" of Naval Aviation, and is 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. General Mangrum was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1929.

***At present I do not know LtGen Mangrum's rank for each assignment, so I will enter last known rank. I'll be as accurate as possible.***

Citation:
The President of the United States 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 Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands 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.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on January 16, 1943
Born: at Seattle, Washington
Home Town: Seattle, Washington