Date of birth:

August 20th, 1917 (Davenport/Iowa, United States)

Date of death:

July 29th, 2010 (Atlantic Beach/Florida, United States)

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

Vernon Larsen Michael was born on August 20th, 1917. In 1939 he graduated at the Iowa State University. On November 14th, 1940 he entered the Naval Cadets.

During World War Two he served in the Pacific. On October 26th, 1946 he married Jeanne L. Miller.
After the war he also served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station Mayport and Chief of Staff Commander Fleet Air Jacksonville, Florida in 1971.

Vernon Larsen Michael passed away on July 29th, 2010.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6), U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6) (Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6), U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6))

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 - 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Michael, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His gallant perseverance and utter disregard for his own personal safety were important contributing factors to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

• - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present