Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., was the eldest child of Ross Eugene and Martha Mae Thomas who were married on 4 Nov 1919 in Warrior, Jefferson, AL. Ross Jr's 11 siblings were Thomas Edward, Evelyn Elizabeth, William Benjamin, Martha Katherine, Infant Male (still born), Robert Earl, John Frank, James Walter, Ross E. (died infancy), Mary Linda and Bonnie Bibb.
-------------------------------------------------------
After graduating from High School, Ross, Jr., enlisted (with his parents permission) in the US Naval Reserve in the Communications Field (V-3) (NSN:407-46-85) on 9 Dec 1940 in Birmingham, AL. Because he had previous radio equipment experience with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Ross entered the Reserves with an advanced rank. He was called to active service and on 30 May 1941 Radioman Third Class (RM3) Bibb reported to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Shipyard, Charleston, SC. RM3 Bibb was subsequently transferred from the NOB, Norfolk, VA to Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six (VP-56) on 2 Jun 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA on 29 Aug 1941 from Trans Training Squadron Atlantic (TRANSTRAINRONLANT) for temporary duty and for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). He reported for duty with VT-8 on 2 Sept 1941. VT-8 was to embark onboard the new aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1942 in Norfolk. Not long after reporting to VT-8 for duty, Bibb was promoted to Radioman Second Class (RM2) and later, he converted his rate to Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2).
After four months of intensive training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean Sea area, Hornet with her embarked air group set sail on 04 Mar 1942 for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and steamed to NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck. On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of LtCol Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII.
After the attack, Hornet was sent back to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then ordered to the South Pacific with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) to assist the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. However, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May to rearm, resupply and refuel. On 28 May 1942, Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway. USS Yorktown (CV-5) would follow the next day.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Torpedo Squadron Eight launched off the flight deck of the Hornet along with other squadrons comprising Hornet's Air Group Eight (HAG-8) to attack the approaching Japanese Carrier Strike Force near Midway. HAG-8, comprised of 59 strike aircraft, and led by CDR Stanhope Ring, did not find the enemy this day. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.”
Only VT-8's 15 Devastators found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover, VT-8 was overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles until one by one they were shot down. Only one airman survived the attack, Ensign George Gay. Pilot Ensign William Robinson Evans, Jr., and his gunner/radioman, ARM2 Ross Eugen Bibb, Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same report Rear Admiral (Select) Marc A. Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of VT-8 who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2) Bibb was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The DFC citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Second Class Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman and Free Machine Gunner of an airplane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8). On 4 June he participated in an aerial torpedo attack against Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway. This attack, made without fighter protection, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire as well as overwhelming enemy fighter opposition, was pressed home in spite of the fact that the plane lacked sufficient fuel to return to its carrier. His courageous attack was a contributing factor to the success of this attack and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Torpedo Squadron Eight Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo his on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
---------------------------------------------------------
His family also received an commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Petty Officer Bibb. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
-----------------------------------------
CAR note:
None of the flight crews were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1H of Aug 22, 2006, Chapter 2, Section 3, p2-34). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded to personnel for Aerial Combat, . . . “
Military Hall of Honor #88226
[Bio compiled by G47]
-------------------------------------------------------
After graduating from High School, Ross, Jr., enlisted (with his parents permission) in the US Naval Reserve in the Communications Field (V-3) (NSN:407-46-85) on 9 Dec 1940 in Birmingham, AL. Because he had previous radio equipment experience with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Ross entered the Reserves with an advanced rank. He was called to active service and on 30 May 1941 Radioman Third Class (RM3) Bibb reported to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Shipyard, Charleston, SC. RM3 Bibb was subsequently transferred from the NOB, Norfolk, VA to Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six (VP-56) on 2 Jun 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA on 29 Aug 1941 from Trans Training Squadron Atlantic (TRANSTRAINRONLANT) for temporary duty and for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). He reported for duty with VT-8 on 2 Sept 1941. VT-8 was to embark onboard the new aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1942 in Norfolk. Not long after reporting to VT-8 for duty, Bibb was promoted to Radioman Second Class (RM2) and later, he converted his rate to Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2).
After four months of intensive training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean Sea area, Hornet with her embarked air group set sail on 04 Mar 1942 for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and steamed to NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck. On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of LtCol Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII.
After the attack, Hornet was sent back to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then ordered to the South Pacific with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) to assist the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. However, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May to rearm, resupply and refuel. On 28 May 1942, Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway. USS Yorktown (CV-5) would follow the next day.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Torpedo Squadron Eight launched off the flight deck of the Hornet along with other squadrons comprising Hornet's Air Group Eight (HAG-8) to attack the approaching Japanese Carrier Strike Force near Midway. HAG-8, comprised of 59 strike aircraft, and led by CDR Stanhope Ring, did not find the enemy this day. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.”
Only VT-8's 15 Devastators found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover, VT-8 was overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles until one by one they were shot down. Only one airman survived the attack, Ensign George Gay. Pilot Ensign William Robinson Evans, Jr., and his gunner/radioman, ARM2 Ross Eugen Bibb, Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same report Rear Admiral (Select) Marc A. Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of VT-8 who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2) Bibb was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The DFC citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Second Class Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman and Free Machine Gunner of an airplane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8). On 4 June he participated in an aerial torpedo attack against Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway. This attack, made without fighter protection, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire as well as overwhelming enemy fighter opposition, was pressed home in spite of the fact that the plane lacked sufficient fuel to return to its carrier. His courageous attack was a contributing factor to the success of this attack and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Torpedo Squadron Eight Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo his on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
---------------------------------------------------------
His family also received an commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Petty Officer Bibb. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
-----------------------------------------
CAR note:
None of the flight crews were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1H of Aug 22, 2006, Chapter 2, Section 3, p2-34). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded to personnel for Aerial Combat, . . . “
Military Hall of Honor #88226
[Bio compiled by G47]
Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., was the eldest child of Ross Eugene and Martha Mae Thomas who were married on 4 Nov 1919 in Warrior, Jefferson, AL. Ross Jr's 11 siblings were Thomas Edward, Evelyn Elizabeth, William Benjamin, Martha Katherine, Infant Male (still born), Robert Earl, John Frank, James Walter, Ross E. (died infancy), Mary Linda and Bonnie Bibb.
-------------------------------------------------------
After graduating from High School, Ross, Jr., enlisted (with his parents permission) in the US Naval Reserve in the Communications Field (V-3) (NSN:407-46-85) on 9 Dec 1940 in Birmingham, AL. Because he had previous radio equipment experience with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Ross entered the Reserves with an advanced rank. He was called to active service and on 30 May 1941 Radioman Third Class (RM3) Bibb reported to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Shipyard, Charleston, SC. RM3 Bibb was subsequently transferred from the NOB, Norfolk, VA to Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six (VP-56) on 2 Jun 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA on 29 Aug 1941 from Trans Training Squadron Atlantic (TRANSTRAINRONLANT) for temporary duty and for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). He reported for duty with VT-8 on 2 Sept 1941. VT-8 was to embark onboard the new aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1942 in Norfolk. Not long after reporting to VT-8 for duty, Bibb was promoted to Radioman Second Class (RM2) and later, he converted his rate to Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2).
After four months of intensive training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean Sea area, Hornet with her embarked air group set sail on 04 Mar 1942 for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and steamed to NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck. On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of LtCol Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII.
After the attack, Hornet was sent back to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then ordered to the South Pacific with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) to assist the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. However, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May to rearm, resupply and refuel. On 28 May 1942, Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway. USS Yorktown (CV-5) would follow the next day.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Torpedo Squadron Eight launched off the flight deck of the Hornet along with other squadrons comprising Hornet's Air Group Eight (HAG-8) to attack the approaching Japanese Carrier Strike Force near Midway. HAG-8, comprised of 59 strike aircraft, and led by CDR Stanhope Ring, did not find the enemy this day. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.”
Only VT-8's 15 Devastators found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover, VT-8 was overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles until one by one they were shot down. Only one airman survived the attack, Ensign George Gay. Pilot Ensign William Robinson Evans, Jr., and his gunner/radioman, ARM2 Ross Eugen Bibb, Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same report Rear Admiral (Select) Marc A. Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of VT-8 who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2) Bibb was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The DFC citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Second Class Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman and Free Machine Gunner of an airplane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8). On 4 June he participated in an aerial torpedo attack against Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway. This attack, made without fighter protection, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire as well as overwhelming enemy fighter opposition, was pressed home in spite of the fact that the plane lacked sufficient fuel to return to its carrier. His courageous attack was a contributing factor to the success of this attack and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Torpedo Squadron Eight Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo his on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
---------------------------------------------------------
His family also received an commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Petty Officer Bibb. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
-----------------------------------------
CAR note:
None of the flight crews were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1H of Aug 22, 2006, Chapter 2, Section 3, p2-34). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded to personnel for Aerial Combat, . . . “
Military Hall of Honor #88226
[Bio compiled by G47]
-------------------------------------------------------
After graduating from High School, Ross, Jr., enlisted (with his parents permission) in the US Naval Reserve in the Communications Field (V-3) (NSN:407-46-85) on 9 Dec 1940 in Birmingham, AL. Because he had previous radio equipment experience with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Ross entered the Reserves with an advanced rank. He was called to active service and on 30 May 1941 Radioman Third Class (RM3) Bibb reported to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, VA from the Navy Shipyard, Charleston, SC. RM3 Bibb was subsequently transferred from the NOB, Norfolk, VA to Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six (VP-56) on 2 Jun 1941. He reported to Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, VA on 29 Aug 1941 from Trans Training Squadron Atlantic (TRANSTRAINRONLANT) for temporary duty and for further transfer (FFT) to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8). He reported for duty with VT-8 on 2 Sept 1941. VT-8 was to embark onboard the new aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), after her commissioning on 21 Oct 1942 in Norfolk. Not long after reporting to VT-8 for duty, Bibb was promoted to Radioman Second Class (RM2) and later, he converted his rate to Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2).
After four months of intensive training off the US East Coast and the Caribbean Sea area, Hornet with her embarked air group set sail on 04 Mar 1942 for San Diego via the Panama Canal. San Diego was to be her new home port. Shortly after arriving in San Diego, Hornet was underway again and steamed to NAS Alameda on 20 March 1942 where she loaded 16 B-25s on to her flight deck. On 18 April 1942, the Hornet launched those same B-25s under the command of LtCol Jimmie Doolittle in the first attack by American forces against the Japanese homeland during WWII.
After the attack, Hornet was sent back to Hawaii to refuel/rearm and then ordered to the South Pacific with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) to assist the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the battle of the Coral Sea. However, Hornet and Enterprise arrived too late to be a factor in the battle. Assigned to other short-term duties, Hornet returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May to rearm, resupply and refuel. On 28 May 1942, Hornet and Enterprise got underway and steamed toward Midway. USS Yorktown (CV-5) would follow the next day.
Early on the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Torpedo Squadron Eight launched off the flight deck of the Hornet along with other squadrons comprising Hornet's Air Group Eight (HAG-8) to attack the approaching Japanese Carrier Strike Force near Midway. HAG-8, comprised of 59 strike aircraft, and led by CDR Stanhope Ring, did not find the enemy this day. They would be forever known as “The Flight to Nowhere.”
Only VT-8's 15 Devastators found and attacked the enemy fleet. Attacking without protecting fighter cover, VT-8 was overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire, but they continued their attack profiles until one by one they were shot down. Only one airman survived the attack, Ensign George Gay. Pilot Ensign William Robinson Evans, Jr., and his gunner/radioman, ARM2 Ross Eugen Bibb, Jr., did not return. According to the Hornet's after action report dated 13 Jun 1942 they were listed as "missing in action." Their remains were unrecoverable. They were presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. In that same report Rear Admiral (Select) Marc A. Mitscher, Hornet CO, nominated each member of VT-8 who flew into battle on 4 Jun 1942 for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2) Bibb was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The DFC citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Second Class Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman and Free Machine Gunner of an airplane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8). On 4 June he participated in an aerial torpedo attack against Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway. This attack, made without fighter protection, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire as well as overwhelming enemy fighter opposition, was pressed home in spite of the fact that the plane lacked sufficient fuel to return to its carrier. His courageous attack was a contributing factor to the success of this attack and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Torpedo Squadron Eight Presidential Unit Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous performance in combat during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Flying low without fighter support, Torpedo Squadron EIGHT began the perilous mission, Intercept and attack! First to sight the enemy, the squadron attacked with full striking power against crushing enemy opposition, scoring torpedo his on Japanese forces. Realizing to a man that insufficient fuel would prevent a return to the carrier, the pilots held doggedly to the target, dropping torpedoes at point-blank range in the face of blasting antiaircraft fire that sent the planes one by one, hurtling aflame in the sea. The loss of 29 lives, typifying valor, loyalty, and determination, was the price paid for Torpedo Squadron EIGHTs vital contribution to the eventual success of our forces in this epic battle of the air.
---------------------------------------------------------
His family also received an commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of Petty Officer Bibb. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Ross Eugene Bibb, Jr., who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HORNET, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
(*Presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943. Actual date gone missing was 4 Jun 1942.)
-----------------------------------------
CAR note:
None of the flight crews were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1H of Aug 22, 2006, Chapter 2, Section 3, p2-34). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded to personnel for Aerial Combat, . . . “
Military Hall of Honor #88226
[Bio compiled by G47]
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Alabama.
Family Members
Other Records
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Records on Ancestry
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1930 United States Federal Census
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1940 United States Federal Census
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U.S., Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Unaccounted-for Remains, Group B (Unrecoverable), 1941-1975
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U.S., Navy Casualties Books, 1776-1941
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Alabama, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-current
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