World War II United States Navy Aviator. He was born at Fort Pierre, South Dakota, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1924 and became a Naval Aviator in 1927. In 1941 he was Lieutenant Commander and became Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) to serve on the new aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). At the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942, he led his squadron to be the first to locate and attack the Japanese Imperial Fleet. In overwhelming enemy fighter opposition while making an unsupported attack on Japanese aircraft carriers, he with all fifteen of his planes and 28 crew were lost. Their sacrifice made possible the success of American dive bombers that arrived later, to devastate the Japanese carriers Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu, bringing victory at Midway. Lieutenant Commander Waldron was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
World War II United States Navy Aviator. He was born at Fort Pierre, South Dakota, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1924 and became a Naval Aviator in 1927. In 1941 he was Lieutenant Commander and became Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) to serve on the new aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8). At the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942, he led his squadron to be the first to locate and attack the Japanese Imperial Fleet. In overwhelming enemy fighter opposition while making an unsupported attack on Japanese aircraft carriers, he with all fifteen of his planes and 28 crew were lost. Their sacrifice made possible the success of American dive bombers that arrived later, to devastate the Japanese carriers Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu, bringing victory at Midway. Lieutenant Commander Waldron was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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Died at Battle of Midway
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