Enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 21 Jul 1941 as an Electricians Mate; Briefly served on the USS Wharton (AP-7), but was re-assigned to the USS Enterprise (CVN-6). By the end of 1941, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise.
On 16 October 1942, Enterprise departed for the South Pacific, where it met with the USS Hornet and they formed TF 61.
On 26 October, Enterprise scout planes located a Japanese carrier force and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands was under way. Enterprise aircraft struck Japanese carriers and cruisers during the struggle, while the Enterprise herself underwent intensive attack. EM3 Aaron was killed during this attack. Hit twice by bombs, Enterprise lost 44 men and had 75 wounded. Despite serious damage, she continued in action and took on board a large number of planes and crewmen from Hornet when that carrier was sunk.
Though the American losses of a carrier and a destroyer were more severe than the Japanese loss of one light cruiser, the battle gained time to reinforce Guadalcanal against the next enemy onslaught, and nearby Henderson Field was therefore secure from the Japanese bombardment. The loss of the Hornet meant Enterprise was now the only functioning-but damaged US carrier in the Pacific Theater. On the flight deck, the crew posted a sign: "Enterprise vs Japan." Enterprise reached Nouméa, New Caledonia on 30 October for repairs
According to WWII US Naval Records, EM3 Norman James Aaron was killed during combat (The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands) and was buried at Sea; Recipient of the Purple Heart.
Enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 21 Jul 1941 as an Electricians Mate; Briefly served on the USS Wharton (AP-7), but was re-assigned to the USS Enterprise (CVN-6). By the end of 1941, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise.
On 16 October 1942, Enterprise departed for the South Pacific, where it met with the USS Hornet and they formed TF 61.
On 26 October, Enterprise scout planes located a Japanese carrier force and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands was under way. Enterprise aircraft struck Japanese carriers and cruisers during the struggle, while the Enterprise herself underwent intensive attack. EM3 Aaron was killed during this attack. Hit twice by bombs, Enterprise lost 44 men and had 75 wounded. Despite serious damage, she continued in action and took on board a large number of planes and crewmen from Hornet when that carrier was sunk.
Though the American losses of a carrier and a destroyer were more severe than the Japanese loss of one light cruiser, the battle gained time to reinforce Guadalcanal against the next enemy onslaught, and nearby Henderson Field was therefore secure from the Japanese bombardment. The loss of the Hornet meant Enterprise was now the only functioning-but damaged US carrier in the Pacific Theater. On the flight deck, the crew posted a sign: "Enterprise vs Japan." Enterprise reached Nouméa, New Caledonia on 30 October for repairs
According to WWII US Naval Records, EM3 Norman James Aaron was killed during combat (The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands) and was buried at Sea; Recipient of the Purple Heart.
Inscription
Electrician's Mate 3rd Class (EM3) / Petty Officer Third Class (PO3)
U.S. Navy
Killed in Action
World War II
Buried at Sea
Awards:
World War II Victory Medal
Purple Heart
Family Members
Other Records
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