This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Holmes, Besby Frank, Lt Col USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town San Francisco, California
Last Address San Rafael, California
Date of Passing Jul 23, 2006
Location of Interment Golden Gate National Cemetery (VA) - San Bruno, California
He was credited with 5.5 aerial victories in the Southwest Pacific area
in WWII. He was part of the long-range mission that shot down aircraft
carrying and escorting Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto Apr 18, 1943.
His Navy Cross citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Besby Frank Holmes (ASN: 0-428823), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, attached to a Marine Fighter Command in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 18 April 1943. Participating in a dangerously long interception flight, First Lieutenant Holmes contacted a hostile formation consisting of two Japanese bombers and six escorting fighters in a complete surprise approach. Skillfully out-maneuvering the enemy, he pressed home his tactical advantage and struck fiercely, destroying one of the violently attacking enemy fighters. Shortly thereafter, upon sighting a lone enemy bomber approaching Kahili, First Lieutenant Holmes immediately took the offensive and sent the hostile plane flaming into the sea. His brilliant airmanship and determined fighting spirit throughout a daring and vital mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Services.
General Orders: Commander Southern Pacific Fleet: Serial 001038 (June 17, 1943)
Aircraft/Missile Information
P-36 Hawk Specifications Primary Function: Interceptor Contractor: Curtiss Crew: One Unit Cost: $23,000 Powerplant One Pratt & Whitney R-1830-13 engine rated at 1,050 hp Dimensions Length: 28 feet, 6 in Wingspan: 37 feet, 4 in Height: 8 feet, 5 in Weights Empty: ~4,000 lb Maximum Takeoff: 5,650 lb (loaded) Performance Speed: 313 mph Ceiling: 32,700 ft Range: 830 mi Armament Two .30-cal or two .50-cal machine guns
