Lindsay, Elvin Lester "Lin"

Date of birth:: June 25th, 1920 (Potlatch/Idaho, United States)
Date of death:: August 7th, 2007 (Salt River near Canyon Lake/Arizona, United States)
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Elvin Lester Lindsay was born in Potlatch, Idaho on June 25th, 1920 as the son of Amelia and Herman Lindsay. He graduated from Palouse High School in 1938. He attended the University of Idaho for two years before he joined the U.S. Navy.
He married Norma Jean Rice in 1944.

After WW II the couple started farming in Palouse and in 1957, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho. From 1962 until 1974 he also was the office manager for the Latah County ASCS office. Norma Jane passed away in March 1973. In December 1973, he married Mary Jean Marks and he retired from his work in 1979. He spent the rest of his life in Mesa, Arizona.
Elvin Lester Lindsay passed away while fishing on a riverbank in Mesa.

Elvin Lester Lindsay scored a total of eight victories during the Second World War.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Commander
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Skillfully directing his escort group on a strike against major enemy surface units, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay boldly dived through the intense barrage of hostile antiaircraft fire and expertly maneuvered his plane to deliver a bombing and strafing attack upon a Japanese aircraft carrier, leaving her burning and in a sinking condition. During the ensuing action, he valiantly led his fighters through antiaircraft fire to deliver' a strafing raid upon a light cruiser. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay contributed materially to the infliction of overwhelming damage upon the Japanese Fleet during this Battle. Commander Lindsay's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

At the time of the action, Lindsay still held the rank of Lieutenant.

Sources

Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
- Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
- Home of Heroes