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Taurman, John A.

Date of birth:
February 10th, 1916 (Cincinnati/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:
October 6th, 1942
Mentioned on:
American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Ensign
Unit:
Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3), U.S. Navy
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in combat with the enemy during the Solomon Islands Campaign, on 24 August 1942. Ensign Taurman, without regard for extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire, mad an unsupported torpedo attack against a Japanese Task Force with precision, vigor, and heroic determination thereby insuring that a direct hit was scored on a Japanese heavy cruiser in the center of the task force. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Posthumously awarded
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant (junior grade)
Unit:
Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
October 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands area on 14 October 1942. When contact was made with a heavy cruiser and three destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Taurman and three other torpedo pilots dropped to 200 feet and pressed home the attack through heavy anti-aircraft fire. He scored one of the two, and probably three, hits which sank the cruiser."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319

Sources

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