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
Specifications StatsCentral Model Lockheed P-38J Lightning Length 37.83 ft | 11.53 m Width 52.00 ft | 15.85 m Height 9.81 ft | 2.99 m Engine(s) 2 x Allison V-1710-111 water-cooled inline piston engines generating 1,425hp. Empty Weight 12,800 lbs | 5,806 kg MTOW 21,601 lbs | 9,798 kg Max Speed 414 mph | 666 km/h | 360 kts Max Range 2,237 miles | 3,600 km Ceiling 43,963 ft | 13,400 m | 8.3 miles Climb Rate 2,500 ft/min (762 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 1 x 20mm Cannon 4 x 12.7mm machine guns
10 x 5in high-explosive rockets (optional) 2 x Drop Tanks (optional) 2 x 500lb bombs (optional)
Up to 4,000lbs (908kg) of underwing ordnance. Accommodations 1