Wagner, Erwin James "Buddy" (USN)

Date of birth:: October 6th, 1919 (Denison, Grayson County, Texas, USA)
Date of death:: February 9th, 2009 (Denison, Grayson County, Texas, USA)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: Section 64. Grave: Site 1522.
Service number:: NSN: 0-122013
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Navy Aviator Wing

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Division Leader in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VFB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20)
Awarded on:: July 28th, 1945

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Erwin J. Wagner (NSN: 0-122013), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VFB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in an attack on warships lying with a great Japanese Naval Base at Kure Harbor, on 28 July 1945. Diving through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from warships and shore batteries, he scored a direct hit on a battleship, inflicting serious damage on the enemy. His heroic conduct, determination and inspiring leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.