Service No. #O-009397
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF-221)
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
U.S., World War II Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Casualties, 1941-1945 list his Next of Kin's Home of Record as Father: Mr. J. E. Mahannah, 631 Santa Fe; Augusta, Kansas. Killed In Action.
Information below gleaned from: https://ww2fallen100.blogspot.com/2019/09/ww2-midway-fallen-navy-cross-hero-and.html
Martin was born on September 25, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. His parents Jefferson and Gertrude were born in Illinois and Kansas, respectively. His father worked as a farmer and later as a chemist at an oil refinery. Martin had two older brothers.
Martin enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve in February 1940 at St. Louis, Missouri. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to HQ Company, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines. In 1941, he entered aviation training and qualified as a fighter pilot and received his gold Navy wings and a Second Lieutenant's commission in 1942. His first posting as a Marine Corps pilot was with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) on Midway Island in May 1942, flying F2A-3 Brewster Buffalo fighter aircraft. The obsolete Buffalos, unaffectionately referred to as "Flying Coffins" by their pilots, were cast-offs from US Navy carriers that had re-equipped their air groups with the best front-line Navy fighters available.
Barely a week after 2nd Lt. Mahannah's arrival on Midway, on the morning of 4 June 1942, carrier based aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy set out to attack Midway Island to soften it up for an approaching invasion fleet. The 25 aircraft of VMF-221 took off at 0600 to intercept the incoming force of 76 enemy bombers and 36 A6M Zero fighters. The squadron was a mix of regular USMC pilots, with limited operational experience, and newly arrived green pilots like 2nd Lt. Mahannah. With the advantage of radar early warning and guidance, the Marine fighters were able to climb above the incoming Japanese formation undetected. When they were about forty miles out from Midway, the USMC aircraft entered a steep dive and poured machine gun fire into the waves of enemy aircraft. The Marines shot down and damaged several Japanese bombers before the escorting Zero fighters were on them like a swarm of angry hornets. The pilots of VMF-221 fought bravely but were heavily outnumbered and their obsolete aircraft were no match for the highly skilled and combat experienced Japanese pilots and their faster and more agile Zero fighter aircraft. By the time the battle ended, only four of the Marine aircraft were still in commission.
As the dogfighting aircraft approached Midway, an observer on the ground witnessed a Buffalo cut across the northeast tip of Eastern Island to help out another Marine aircraft. The Buffalo was attacked and damaged by a Zero fighter and the pilot was forced to bail out. The observer watched as two Zeros strafed the pilot as he descended under his parachute. Several days later, one of Midway's patrol boats spotted a body that had washed up on the reef. The remains were identified as being 2nd Lt. Mahannah. A Navy corpsman who examined the body determined that he had indeed been strafed after jumping from his aircraft, either in his parachute or on the reef. It is unknown what happened to 2nd Lt. Mahannah's remains, he was either buried on Midway and the site lost, or he was buried at sea.
2nd Lt. Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions over Midway. His citation reads as follows:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Martin Edward Mahannah is memorialized in the Honolulu Cemetery Courts of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as in Hillside Cemetery in his home town of Sedgwick, Kansas. Martin's older brother Lynn Mahannah served as a B-25 pilot in the Fifth Air Force and was killed in action in April 1945.∼Martin Edward was born in Wichita, Sedgwick, KS on 25 Sep 1919. He was the son of Jefferson Edward Mahannah and Gertrude H. Merry who married in Colorado Springs, CO on 15 Aug 1914. Martin's siblings were Joseph Alva and Lynn M. Mahannah (Lt Lynn Mahannah (USAAFR), was killed in action on 02 April 1945 near Taichu, Formosa (presently Taiwan)). Martin graduated from High School in 1937 and entered Butler Community College, El Dorado, KS where he completed two years of study.
Martin E Mahannah was accepted for enlistment in the US Marine Corps on 03 Feb 1940 at the SDHS in Wichita, KS. He enlisted as a Private (PVT) the same day at DHS in Kansas City, MO. Several days later on 06 Feb 1940, he arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego to begin "Boot Camp." He completed recruit training on 3 April 1940 and was assigned to the Base Headquarters in San Diego from which he was assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn, 8th Mar, 2d Mar Brigade in San Diego. On 08 Aug 1940, he was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). The following month on 21 Sep Mahannah was promoted to Corporal (CPL). In Oct 1940, Mahannah transferred to Salem, OR for several days of special temporary duty for aviation training in observation and navigation. Corp. Mahannah transferred on 18 Jan 1941 to Co. L, 3rd Bn, 2d Marines in San Diego as the company clerk. Approximately six months later, Corp Mahannah transferred on 20 July 1941 to the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS), Corpus Christi, TX.
On 22 July 1941, he was discharged for his own convenience to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet (AvCdt USNR). He was assigned to class 7-B (his photo, as well as a number of other Aviation Cadets, were omitted from the NAS Corpus Christi 1941 Slipstream Yearbook for various reasons).
After completing a strenuous course of flight training under instruction at NAS Corpus Christi, AvCdt Mahannah accepted a commission as a 2d Lt., USMCR (AVN) on 06 April 1942. The rank was effective from 07 Feb 1942. He also received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective from 19 Feb 1942. On 6 April 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was transferred to the Second Marine Air Wing in San Diego and authorized a 15 day delay in reporting. He returned to Kansas to visit family. They would never see him again.
He reported to the HQ Squadron, 2d Marine Aviation Wing (MAW), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), NAS San Diego on 28 April 1942. After a week of additional training in San Diego, Lt Mahannah, along with many other Marine Corps 2d Lts, embarked as passengers on board the USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) enroute from San Diego to Hawaii on 09 May 1942. Lt Mahannah arrived at Midway Atoll on 26 May 1942 via the aircraft transport, USS Kitty Hawk (AKV-1). He was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron – Two Hundred Twenty-One (VMF-221) in Capt. Armistead's third division. For the next week, the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Mahannah in Capt. Armistead's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses.
Lt Mahannah was believed to have been strafed by Japanese fighters while he parachuted from his destroyed aircraft. His body was found on 09 Jun 1942 by US personnel on a coral reef around Midway. He was formally buried at sea. According to the MAG-22 Executive Officer's Report of the Battle of Midway, Annex A dated 13 Jun 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was listed as killed in action about 0635, June 4, 1942.
--------------------
Second Lt Martin E Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
-------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
--------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Martin Edward Mahannah who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 4 JUNE 1942. 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 of America
-----------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-------------------
[Bio #228 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#97024
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF-221)
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
U.S., World War II Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Casualties, 1941-1945 list his Next of Kin's Home of Record as Father: Mr. J. E. Mahannah, 631 Santa Fe; Augusta, Kansas. Killed In Action.
Information below gleaned from: https://ww2fallen100.blogspot.com/2019/09/ww2-midway-fallen-navy-cross-hero-and.html
Martin was born on September 25, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. His parents Jefferson and Gertrude were born in Illinois and Kansas, respectively. His father worked as a farmer and later as a chemist at an oil refinery. Martin had two older brothers.
Martin enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve in February 1940 at St. Louis, Missouri. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to HQ Company, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines. In 1941, he entered aviation training and qualified as a fighter pilot and received his gold Navy wings and a Second Lieutenant's commission in 1942. His first posting as a Marine Corps pilot was with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) on Midway Island in May 1942, flying F2A-3 Brewster Buffalo fighter aircraft. The obsolete Buffalos, unaffectionately referred to as "Flying Coffins" by their pilots, were cast-offs from US Navy carriers that had re-equipped their air groups with the best front-line Navy fighters available.
Barely a week after 2nd Lt. Mahannah's arrival on Midway, on the morning of 4 June 1942, carrier based aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy set out to attack Midway Island to soften it up for an approaching invasion fleet. The 25 aircraft of VMF-221 took off at 0600 to intercept the incoming force of 76 enemy bombers and 36 A6M Zero fighters. The squadron was a mix of regular USMC pilots, with limited operational experience, and newly arrived green pilots like 2nd Lt. Mahannah. With the advantage of radar early warning and guidance, the Marine fighters were able to climb above the incoming Japanese formation undetected. When they were about forty miles out from Midway, the USMC aircraft entered a steep dive and poured machine gun fire into the waves of enemy aircraft. The Marines shot down and damaged several Japanese bombers before the escorting Zero fighters were on them like a swarm of angry hornets. The pilots of VMF-221 fought bravely but were heavily outnumbered and their obsolete aircraft were no match for the highly skilled and combat experienced Japanese pilots and their faster and more agile Zero fighter aircraft. By the time the battle ended, only four of the Marine aircraft were still in commission.
As the dogfighting aircraft approached Midway, an observer on the ground witnessed a Buffalo cut across the northeast tip of Eastern Island to help out another Marine aircraft. The Buffalo was attacked and damaged by a Zero fighter and the pilot was forced to bail out. The observer watched as two Zeros strafed the pilot as he descended under his parachute. Several days later, one of Midway's patrol boats spotted a body that had washed up on the reef. The remains were identified as being 2nd Lt. Mahannah. A Navy corpsman who examined the body determined that he had indeed been strafed after jumping from his aircraft, either in his parachute or on the reef. It is unknown what happened to 2nd Lt. Mahannah's remains, he was either buried on Midway and the site lost, or he was buried at sea.
2nd Lt. Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions over Midway. His citation reads as follows:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Martin Edward Mahannah is memorialized in the Honolulu Cemetery Courts of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as in Hillside Cemetery in his home town of Sedgwick, Kansas. Martin's older brother Lynn Mahannah served as a B-25 pilot in the Fifth Air Force and was killed in action in April 1945.∼Martin Edward was born in Wichita, Sedgwick, KS on 25 Sep 1919. He was the son of Jefferson Edward Mahannah and Gertrude H. Merry who married in Colorado Springs, CO on 15 Aug 1914. Martin's siblings were Joseph Alva and Lynn M. Mahannah (Lt Lynn Mahannah (USAAFR), was killed in action on 02 April 1945 near Taichu, Formosa (presently Taiwan)). Martin graduated from High School in 1937 and entered Butler Community College, El Dorado, KS where he completed two years of study.
Martin E Mahannah was accepted for enlistment in the US Marine Corps on 03 Feb 1940 at the SDHS in Wichita, KS. He enlisted as a Private (PVT) the same day at DHS in Kansas City, MO. Several days later on 06 Feb 1940, he arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego to begin "Boot Camp." He completed recruit training on 3 April 1940 and was assigned to the Base Headquarters in San Diego from which he was assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn, 8th Mar, 2d Mar Brigade in San Diego. On 08 Aug 1940, he was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). The following month on 21 Sep Mahannah was promoted to Corporal (CPL). In Oct 1940, Mahannah transferred to Salem, OR for several days of special temporary duty for aviation training in observation and navigation. Corp. Mahannah transferred on 18 Jan 1941 to Co. L, 3rd Bn, 2d Marines in San Diego as the company clerk. Approximately six months later, Corp Mahannah transferred on 20 July 1941 to the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS), Corpus Christi, TX.
On 22 July 1941, he was discharged for his own convenience to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet (AvCdt USNR). He was assigned to class 7-B (his photo, as well as a number of other Aviation Cadets, were omitted from the NAS Corpus Christi 1941 Slipstream Yearbook for various reasons).
After completing a strenuous course of flight training under instruction at NAS Corpus Christi, AvCdt Mahannah accepted a commission as a 2d Lt., USMCR (AVN) on 06 April 1942. The rank was effective from 07 Feb 1942. He also received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective from 19 Feb 1942. On 6 April 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was transferred to the Second Marine Air Wing in San Diego and authorized a 15 day delay in reporting. He returned to Kansas to visit family. They would never see him again.
He reported to the HQ Squadron, 2d Marine Aviation Wing (MAW), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), NAS San Diego on 28 April 1942. After a week of additional training in San Diego, Lt Mahannah, along with many other Marine Corps 2d Lts, embarked as passengers on board the USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) enroute from San Diego to Hawaii on 09 May 1942. Lt Mahannah arrived at Midway Atoll on 26 May 1942 via the aircraft transport, USS Kitty Hawk (AKV-1). He was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron – Two Hundred Twenty-One (VMF-221) in Capt. Armistead's third division. For the next week, the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Mahannah in Capt. Armistead's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses.
Lt Mahannah was believed to have been strafed by Japanese fighters while he parachuted from his destroyed aircraft. His body was found on 09 Jun 1942 by US personnel on a coral reef around Midway. He was formally buried at sea. According to the MAG-22 Executive Officer's Report of the Battle of Midway, Annex A dated 13 Jun 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was listed as killed in action about 0635, June 4, 1942.
--------------------
Second Lt Martin E Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
-------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
--------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Martin Edward Mahannah who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 4 JUNE 1942. 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 of America
-----------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
-------------------
[Bio #228 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#97024
Service No. #O-009397
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF-221)
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
U.S., World War II Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Casualties, 1941-1945 list his Next of Kin's Home of Record as Father: Mr. J. E. Mahannah, 631 Santa Fe; Augusta, Kansas. Killed In Action.
Information below gleaned from: https://ww2fallen100.blogspot.com/2019/09/ww2-midway-fallen-navy-cross-hero-and.html
Martin was born on September 25, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. His parents Jefferson and Gertrude were born in Illinois and Kansas, respectively. His father worked as a farmer and later as a chemist at an oil refinery. Martin had two older brothers.
Martin enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve in February 1940 at St. Louis, Missouri. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to HQ Company, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines. In 1941, he entered aviation training and qualified as a fighter pilot and received his gold Navy wings and a Second Lieutenant's commission in 1942. His first posting as a Marine Corps pilot was with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) on Midway Island in May 1942, flying F2A-3 Brewster Buffalo fighter aircraft. The obsolete Buffalos, unaffectionately referred to as "Flying Coffins" by their pilots, were cast-offs from US Navy carriers that had re-equipped their air groups with the best front-line Navy fighters available.
Barely a week after 2nd Lt. Mahannah's arrival on Midway, on the morning of 4 June 1942, carrier based aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy set out to attack Midway Island to soften it up for an approaching invasion fleet. The 25 aircraft of VMF-221 took off at 0600 to intercept the incoming force of 76 enemy bombers and 36 A6M Zero fighters. The squadron was a mix of regular USMC pilots, with limited operational experience, and newly arrived green pilots like 2nd Lt. Mahannah. With the advantage of radar early warning and guidance, the Marine fighters were able to climb above the incoming Japanese formation undetected. When they were about forty miles out from Midway, the USMC aircraft entered a steep dive and poured machine gun fire into the waves of enemy aircraft. The Marines shot down and damaged several Japanese bombers before the escorting Zero fighters were on them like a swarm of angry hornets. The pilots of VMF-221 fought bravely but were heavily outnumbered and their obsolete aircraft were no match for the highly skilled and combat experienced Japanese pilots and their faster and more agile Zero fighter aircraft. By the time the battle ended, only four of the Marine aircraft were still in commission.
As the dogfighting aircraft approached Midway, an observer on the ground witnessed a Buffalo cut across the northeast tip of Eastern Island to help out another Marine aircraft. The Buffalo was attacked and damaged by a Zero fighter and the pilot was forced to bail out. The observer watched as two Zeros strafed the pilot as he descended under his parachute. Several days later, one of Midway's patrol boats spotted a body that had washed up on the reef. The remains were identified as being 2nd Lt. Mahannah. A Navy corpsman who examined the body determined that he had indeed been strafed after jumping from his aircraft, either in his parachute or on the reef. It is unknown what happened to 2nd Lt. Mahannah's remains, he was either buried on Midway and the site lost, or he was buried at sea.
2nd Lt. Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions over Midway. His citation reads as follows:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Martin Edward Mahannah is memorialized in the Honolulu Cemetery Courts of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as in Hillside Cemetery in his home town of Sedgwick, Kansas. Martin's older brother Lynn Mahannah served as a B-25 pilot in the Fifth Air Force and was killed in action in April 1945.∼Martin Edward was born in Wichita, Sedgwick, KS on 25 Sep 1919. He was the son of Jefferson Edward Mahannah and Gertrude H. Merry who married in Colorado Springs, CO on 15 Aug 1914. Martin's siblings were Joseph Alva and Lynn M. Mahannah (Lt Lynn Mahannah (USAAFR), was killed in action on 02 April 1945 near Taichu, Formosa (presently Taiwan)). Martin graduated from High School in 1937 and entered Butler Community College, El Dorado, KS where he completed two years of study.
Martin E Mahannah was accepted for enlistment in the US Marine Corps on 03 Feb 1940 at the SDHS in Wichita, KS. He enlisted as a Private (PVT) the same day at DHS in Kansas City, MO. Several days later on 06 Feb 1940, he arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego to begin "Boot Camp." He completed recruit training on 3 April 1940 and was assigned to the Base Headquarters in San Diego from which he was assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn, 8th Mar, 2d Mar Brigade in San Diego. On 08 Aug 1940, he was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). The following month on 21 Sep Mahannah was promoted to Corporal (CPL). In Oct 1940, Mahannah transferred to Salem, OR for several days of special temporary duty for aviation training in observation and navigation. Corp. Mahannah transferred on 18 Jan 1941 to Co. L, 3rd Bn, 2d Marines in San Diego as the company clerk. Approximately six months later, Corp Mahannah transferred on 20 July 1941 to the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS), Corpus Christi, TX.
On 22 July 1941, he was discharged for his own convenience to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet (AvCdt USNR). He was assigned to class 7-B (his photo, as well as a number of other Aviation Cadets, were omitted from the NAS Corpus Christi 1941 Slipstream Yearbook for various reasons).
After completing a strenuous course of flight training under instruction at NAS Corpus Christi, AvCdt Mahannah accepted a commission as a 2d Lt., USMCR (AVN) on 06 April 1942. The rank was effective from 07 Feb 1942. He also received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective from 19 Feb 1942. On 6 April 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was transferred to the Second Marine Air Wing in San Diego and authorized a 15 day delay in reporting. He returned to Kansas to visit family. They would never see him again.
He reported to the HQ Squadron, 2d Marine Aviation Wing (MAW), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), NAS San Diego on 28 April 1942. After a week of additional training in San Diego, Lt Mahannah, along with many other Marine Corps 2d Lts, embarked as passengers on board the USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) enroute from San Diego to Hawaii on 09 May 1942. Lt Mahannah arrived at Midway Atoll on 26 May 1942 via the aircraft transport, USS Kitty Hawk (AKV-1). He was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron – Two Hundred Twenty-One (VMF-221) in Capt. Armistead's third division. For the next week, the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Mahannah in Capt. Armistead's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses.
Lt Mahannah was believed to have been strafed by Japanese fighters while he parachuted from his destroyed aircraft. His body was found on 09 Jun 1942 by US personnel on a coral reef around Midway. He was formally buried at sea. According to the MAG-22 Executive Officer's Report of the Battle of Midway, Annex A dated 13 Jun 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was listed as killed in action about 0635, June 4, 1942.
--------------------
Second Lt Martin E Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
-------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
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Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
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His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Martin Edward Mahannah who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 4 JUNE 1942. 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 of America
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Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
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[Bio #228 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#97024
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF-221)
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
U.S., World War II Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Casualties, 1941-1945 list his Next of Kin's Home of Record as Father: Mr. J. E. Mahannah, 631 Santa Fe; Augusta, Kansas. Killed In Action.
Information below gleaned from: https://ww2fallen100.blogspot.com/2019/09/ww2-midway-fallen-navy-cross-hero-and.html
Martin was born on September 25, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. His parents Jefferson and Gertrude were born in Illinois and Kansas, respectively. His father worked as a farmer and later as a chemist at an oil refinery. Martin had two older brothers.
Martin enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve in February 1940 at St. Louis, Missouri. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to HQ Company, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines. In 1941, he entered aviation training and qualified as a fighter pilot and received his gold Navy wings and a Second Lieutenant's commission in 1942. His first posting as a Marine Corps pilot was with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) on Midway Island in May 1942, flying F2A-3 Brewster Buffalo fighter aircraft. The obsolete Buffalos, unaffectionately referred to as "Flying Coffins" by their pilots, were cast-offs from US Navy carriers that had re-equipped their air groups with the best front-line Navy fighters available.
Barely a week after 2nd Lt. Mahannah's arrival on Midway, on the morning of 4 June 1942, carrier based aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy set out to attack Midway Island to soften it up for an approaching invasion fleet. The 25 aircraft of VMF-221 took off at 0600 to intercept the incoming force of 76 enemy bombers and 36 A6M Zero fighters. The squadron was a mix of regular USMC pilots, with limited operational experience, and newly arrived green pilots like 2nd Lt. Mahannah. With the advantage of radar early warning and guidance, the Marine fighters were able to climb above the incoming Japanese formation undetected. When they were about forty miles out from Midway, the USMC aircraft entered a steep dive and poured machine gun fire into the waves of enemy aircraft. The Marines shot down and damaged several Japanese bombers before the escorting Zero fighters were on them like a swarm of angry hornets. The pilots of VMF-221 fought bravely but were heavily outnumbered and their obsolete aircraft were no match for the highly skilled and combat experienced Japanese pilots and their faster and more agile Zero fighter aircraft. By the time the battle ended, only four of the Marine aircraft were still in commission.
As the dogfighting aircraft approached Midway, an observer on the ground witnessed a Buffalo cut across the northeast tip of Eastern Island to help out another Marine aircraft. The Buffalo was attacked and damaged by a Zero fighter and the pilot was forced to bail out. The observer watched as two Zeros strafed the pilot as he descended under his parachute. Several days later, one of Midway's patrol boats spotted a body that had washed up on the reef. The remains were identified as being 2nd Lt. Mahannah. A Navy corpsman who examined the body determined that he had indeed been strafed after jumping from his aircraft, either in his parachute or on the reef. It is unknown what happened to 2nd Lt. Mahannah's remains, he was either buried on Midway and the site lost, or he was buried at sea.
2nd Lt. Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions over Midway. His citation reads as follows:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Martin Edward Mahannah is memorialized in the Honolulu Cemetery Courts of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as in Hillside Cemetery in his home town of Sedgwick, Kansas. Martin's older brother Lynn Mahannah served as a B-25 pilot in the Fifth Air Force and was killed in action in April 1945.∼Martin Edward was born in Wichita, Sedgwick, KS on 25 Sep 1919. He was the son of Jefferson Edward Mahannah and Gertrude H. Merry who married in Colorado Springs, CO on 15 Aug 1914. Martin's siblings were Joseph Alva and Lynn M. Mahannah (Lt Lynn Mahannah (USAAFR), was killed in action on 02 April 1945 near Taichu, Formosa (presently Taiwan)). Martin graduated from High School in 1937 and entered Butler Community College, El Dorado, KS where he completed two years of study.
Martin E Mahannah was accepted for enlistment in the US Marine Corps on 03 Feb 1940 at the SDHS in Wichita, KS. He enlisted as a Private (PVT) the same day at DHS in Kansas City, MO. Several days later on 06 Feb 1940, he arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego to begin "Boot Camp." He completed recruit training on 3 April 1940 and was assigned to the Base Headquarters in San Diego from which he was assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn, 8th Mar, 2d Mar Brigade in San Diego. On 08 Aug 1940, he was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). The following month on 21 Sep Mahannah was promoted to Corporal (CPL). In Oct 1940, Mahannah transferred to Salem, OR for several days of special temporary duty for aviation training in observation and navigation. Corp. Mahannah transferred on 18 Jan 1941 to Co. L, 3rd Bn, 2d Marines in San Diego as the company clerk. Approximately six months later, Corp Mahannah transferred on 20 July 1941 to the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS), Corpus Christi, TX.
On 22 July 1941, he was discharged for his own convenience to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet (AvCdt USNR). He was assigned to class 7-B (his photo, as well as a number of other Aviation Cadets, were omitted from the NAS Corpus Christi 1941 Slipstream Yearbook for various reasons).
After completing a strenuous course of flight training under instruction at NAS Corpus Christi, AvCdt Mahannah accepted a commission as a 2d Lt., USMCR (AVN) on 06 April 1942. The rank was effective from 07 Feb 1942. He also received his designation as a naval aviator (heavier-than-air) effective from 19 Feb 1942. On 6 April 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was transferred to the Second Marine Air Wing in San Diego and authorized a 15 day delay in reporting. He returned to Kansas to visit family. They would never see him again.
He reported to the HQ Squadron, 2d Marine Aviation Wing (MAW), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), NAS San Diego on 28 April 1942. After a week of additional training in San Diego, Lt Mahannah, along with many other Marine Corps 2d Lts, embarked as passengers on board the USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) enroute from San Diego to Hawaii on 09 May 1942. Lt Mahannah arrived at Midway Atoll on 26 May 1942 via the aircraft transport, USS Kitty Hawk (AKV-1). He was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron – Two Hundred Twenty-One (VMF-221) in Capt. Armistead's third division. For the next week, the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Mahannah in Capt. Armistead's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses.
Lt Mahannah was believed to have been strafed by Japanese fighters while he parachuted from his destroyed aircraft. His body was found on 09 Jun 1942 by US personnel on a coral reef around Midway. He was formally buried at sea. According to the MAG-22 Executive Officer's Report of the Battle of Midway, Annex A dated 13 Jun 1942, 2d Lt Mahannah was listed as killed in action about 0635, June 4, 1942.
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Second Lt Martin E Mahannah was awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
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Navy Cross citation reads:
The Navy Cross is presented to Martin E. Mahannah, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Mahannah aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Mahannah gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
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Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Martin Edward Mahannah who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 4 JUNE 1942. 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 of America
-----------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
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[Bio #228 composed by Gerry Lawton (GML470)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#97024
Inscription
Kansas 2d Lt. U. S. Marine Corps, WW II NC - PH
Gravesite Details
Beside Alva
