Zenneth Pond was a USMC ace from the Guadalcanal campaign.
He was missing in action on September 10, 1942, and Sept 11, 1943 is the legal finding of death date.
--------------
Service Number: O-009433
Birth and Early Life:
Zenneth Pond was born on December 7, 1919 in Jackson, Michigan. He was part of Albert and Zella Ponds large family, growing up with siblings Lacern, Sereno, Esterline, Pauline, Kenneth, and Delbert. A typical American kid who shared a paper route with his brother Kenneth, Zenneth (whose name also appeared as Zenith) graduated from Jackson High School in 1938, moved out of his parents home, and attended Jackson Junior College, where his yearbook noted He likes his fellow men.
Ponds other great love was flying. He studied aviation through the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and became the first in his class to earn a private pilots license in 1940.
Enlistment and Boot Camp:
In June of 1941, Pond enlisted in the Marine Corps and immediately began flight training. His civilian experience enabled him to skip to the top of his class at NAS Corpus Christi almost immediately. He was preparing to celebrate his 22nd birthday when news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor reached the base.
On February 19, 1942, Second Lieutenant Pond received his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego.
Wartime Service:
Once in California, the class from Corpus Christi was broken up. Pond said a last goodbye to Martin Mahannah, Thomas Benson, and John Lucas (bound for VMF-221 at Midway), and to William Kirby (to the USS Vincennes). The creation of a new squadron on May 1, 1942, gave Pond a permanent home as a Bulldog of VMF-223.
The Bulldogs became the first fighter squadron to base out of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal; their Wildcats, plus the dive-bombers of VMSB-232 and scattered USAAF aircraft were dubbed the Cactus Air Force and represented the only reliable American air power on the island.
On August 24, just four days after his arrival on Guadalcanal, Zenneth Pond had his first serious encounter with the Japanese. At 1420, the air raid alert sounded, and the Marines ran for their aircraft as approximately 27 enemy fighters and bombers approached Henderson Field. Lieutenant Ponds group caught up with the Japanese as they retreated from their bomb run, and fell upon the enemy like wolves. Pond not only survived his first fight, but brought down two bombers and one Zero fighter, a score that matched the famous Captain Marion Carl. Although Lawrence Taylor and Elwood Bailey were missing, the fight had been a lopsided success for the Americans, who landed hilariously elated in the words of historian John Lundstrom, and claimed seventeen enemy aircraft destroyed.
Pond flew again on August 26 and did not score, but an interception on August 29 netted him a Zero, though a bullet through the engine forced him into an emergency landing. A flight on August 30 (after sitting ready in his fighter for nearly 12 hours) brought down another enemy fighter, bringing his total number of kills to five and elevating him to the status of fighter ace. He was laconic about his score. I just squeezed the trigger and just let him have it as he came up in front of me. I blew him to bits, he told a Marine Corps correspondent.
The young lieutenant had a close call on September 5 when a Japanese gunner almost got the best of him. Though he brought down a bomber (his 6th kill), Ponds aircraft was badly shot up, and the engine quit while he was returning to base. His flying skill saved his life as he made a dead stick landing back at Henderson; the Wildcat was not so lucky and was deemed damaged beyond repair. In addition to another notch on his scorecard, Pond showed off a mark on his arm where a bullet had grazed him, nearly breaking the skin.
Date Of Loss:
Zenneth Pond took off in F4F-4 #02071 to repel yet another Japanese air raid on the morning of September 10, 1942. (6) He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes, and facing those odds, Ponds luck ran out. His aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lieutenant Pond was never seen again.
Pond was awarded a posthumous promotion to Captain and a Navy Cross.
The Pond family's roots run deep in American history.
Members of the Pond family sailed to North America with Puritan John Winthrop. Others fought alongside Gen. George Washington, crossing the Delaware River with him. They are at many major moments in American history, but are seemingly forgotten.
Zenneths great-great-grandfather was Josiah Pond.
Soaring Young Alumni Award
How do you define a hero? Dr. Douglas Benn 55, answers this question regarding his Uncle Zenny, Zenneth Pond, as follows, You lead a life of outstanding example, youre honest, you take on new adventures striving to learn more, and youre intelligent. You exhibit goodwill, are motivated and take on new challenges. You have good humor and smile just look at Uncle Zennys photo, you cant help but want to smile back you want to follow an approachable leader. You must like people and ultimately have a desire to make things better. Uncle Zenny was 19 years old and right out of college, he went deer hunting and learned how to shoot a gun. He dedicated his whole life to service by transferring from the Navy to the Marines in order to quickly become a Second Lieutenant and receive his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator.
This appointment happened on Feb. 19, 1942, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. Once in California, he found a permanent home as a Bulldog of Squadron VMF-223. On Aug. 24, 1942, the Bulldogs became the first squadron to base out of Guadalcanal. During the next 12 days, Zenneth Pond brought down a total of six enemy fighters. On Sept. 10, 1942, after just 18 days on the island, Pond took off in an F4F-4 to repel yet another Japanese air raid in the morning. He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes; his aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lt. Pond was never seen again.
A lasting tribute
The Second Lieutenant Zenneth A. Pond Young Alumni Award, created in 2017, celebrates the memory of the Jackson Junior College Civilian Pilot Training Program alumnus. It recognizes Ponds superior naval aviator performance and service as a member and flying ace of the Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) in World War II. He embodied courage, goodwill, and a desire to make things better, one who became a true hero and leader when he put himself on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Pond Young Alumni Award honors and acknowledges excellence and leadership in a Jackson College alumni aged 35 and younger.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves by reaching for a high level by reaching for a high level of professional accomplishment and who possesses quality standards of integrity and character.
He was missing in action on September 10, 1942, and Sept 11, 1943 is the legal finding of death date.
--------------
Service Number: O-009433
Birth and Early Life:
Zenneth Pond was born on December 7, 1919 in Jackson, Michigan. He was part of Albert and Zella Ponds large family, growing up with siblings Lacern, Sereno, Esterline, Pauline, Kenneth, and Delbert. A typical American kid who shared a paper route with his brother Kenneth, Zenneth (whose name also appeared as Zenith) graduated from Jackson High School in 1938, moved out of his parents home, and attended Jackson Junior College, where his yearbook noted He likes his fellow men.
Ponds other great love was flying. He studied aviation through the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and became the first in his class to earn a private pilots license in 1940.
Enlistment and Boot Camp:
In June of 1941, Pond enlisted in the Marine Corps and immediately began flight training. His civilian experience enabled him to skip to the top of his class at NAS Corpus Christi almost immediately. He was preparing to celebrate his 22nd birthday when news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor reached the base.
On February 19, 1942, Second Lieutenant Pond received his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego.
Wartime Service:
Once in California, the class from Corpus Christi was broken up. Pond said a last goodbye to Martin Mahannah, Thomas Benson, and John Lucas (bound for VMF-221 at Midway), and to William Kirby (to the USS Vincennes). The creation of a new squadron on May 1, 1942, gave Pond a permanent home as a Bulldog of VMF-223.
The Bulldogs became the first fighter squadron to base out of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal; their Wildcats, plus the dive-bombers of VMSB-232 and scattered USAAF aircraft were dubbed the Cactus Air Force and represented the only reliable American air power on the island.
On August 24, just four days after his arrival on Guadalcanal, Zenneth Pond had his first serious encounter with the Japanese. At 1420, the air raid alert sounded, and the Marines ran for their aircraft as approximately 27 enemy fighters and bombers approached Henderson Field. Lieutenant Ponds group caught up with the Japanese as they retreated from their bomb run, and fell upon the enemy like wolves. Pond not only survived his first fight, but brought down two bombers and one Zero fighter, a score that matched the famous Captain Marion Carl. Although Lawrence Taylor and Elwood Bailey were missing, the fight had been a lopsided success for the Americans, who landed hilariously elated in the words of historian John Lundstrom, and claimed seventeen enemy aircraft destroyed.
Pond flew again on August 26 and did not score, but an interception on August 29 netted him a Zero, though a bullet through the engine forced him into an emergency landing. A flight on August 30 (after sitting ready in his fighter for nearly 12 hours) brought down another enemy fighter, bringing his total number of kills to five and elevating him to the status of fighter ace. He was laconic about his score. I just squeezed the trigger and just let him have it as he came up in front of me. I blew him to bits, he told a Marine Corps correspondent.
The young lieutenant had a close call on September 5 when a Japanese gunner almost got the best of him. Though he brought down a bomber (his 6th kill), Ponds aircraft was badly shot up, and the engine quit while he was returning to base. His flying skill saved his life as he made a dead stick landing back at Henderson; the Wildcat was not so lucky and was deemed damaged beyond repair. In addition to another notch on his scorecard, Pond showed off a mark on his arm where a bullet had grazed him, nearly breaking the skin.
Date Of Loss:
Zenneth Pond took off in F4F-4 #02071 to repel yet another Japanese air raid on the morning of September 10, 1942. (6) He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes, and facing those odds, Ponds luck ran out. His aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lieutenant Pond was never seen again.
Pond was awarded a posthumous promotion to Captain and a Navy Cross.
The Pond family's roots run deep in American history.
Members of the Pond family sailed to North America with Puritan John Winthrop. Others fought alongside Gen. George Washington, crossing the Delaware River with him. They are at many major moments in American history, but are seemingly forgotten.
Zenneths great-great-grandfather was Josiah Pond.
Soaring Young Alumni Award
How do you define a hero? Dr. Douglas Benn 55, answers this question regarding his Uncle Zenny, Zenneth Pond, as follows, You lead a life of outstanding example, youre honest, you take on new adventures striving to learn more, and youre intelligent. You exhibit goodwill, are motivated and take on new challenges. You have good humor and smile just look at Uncle Zennys photo, you cant help but want to smile back you want to follow an approachable leader. You must like people and ultimately have a desire to make things better. Uncle Zenny was 19 years old and right out of college, he went deer hunting and learned how to shoot a gun. He dedicated his whole life to service by transferring from the Navy to the Marines in order to quickly become a Second Lieutenant and receive his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator.
This appointment happened on Feb. 19, 1942, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. Once in California, he found a permanent home as a Bulldog of Squadron VMF-223. On Aug. 24, 1942, the Bulldogs became the first squadron to base out of Guadalcanal. During the next 12 days, Zenneth Pond brought down a total of six enemy fighters. On Sept. 10, 1942, after just 18 days on the island, Pond took off in an F4F-4 to repel yet another Japanese air raid in the morning. He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes; his aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lt. Pond was never seen again.
A lasting tribute
The Second Lieutenant Zenneth A. Pond Young Alumni Award, created in 2017, celebrates the memory of the Jackson Junior College Civilian Pilot Training Program alumnus. It recognizes Ponds superior naval aviator performance and service as a member and flying ace of the Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) in World War II. He embodied courage, goodwill, and a desire to make things better, one who became a true hero and leader when he put himself on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Pond Young Alumni Award honors and acknowledges excellence and leadership in a Jackson College alumni aged 35 and younger.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves by reaching for a high level by reaching for a high level of professional accomplishment and who possesses quality standards of integrity and character.
Zenneth Pond was a USMC ace from the Guadalcanal campaign.
He was missing in action on September 10, 1942, and Sept 11, 1943 is the legal finding of death date.
--------------
Service Number: O-009433
Birth and Early Life:
Zenneth Pond was born on December 7, 1919 in Jackson, Michigan. He was part of Albert and Zella Ponds large family, growing up with siblings Lacern, Sereno, Esterline, Pauline, Kenneth, and Delbert. A typical American kid who shared a paper route with his brother Kenneth, Zenneth (whose name also appeared as Zenith) graduated from Jackson High School in 1938, moved out of his parents home, and attended Jackson Junior College, where his yearbook noted He likes his fellow men.
Ponds other great love was flying. He studied aviation through the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and became the first in his class to earn a private pilots license in 1940.
Enlistment and Boot Camp:
In June of 1941, Pond enlisted in the Marine Corps and immediately began flight training. His civilian experience enabled him to skip to the top of his class at NAS Corpus Christi almost immediately. He was preparing to celebrate his 22nd birthday when news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor reached the base.
On February 19, 1942, Second Lieutenant Pond received his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego.
Wartime Service:
Once in California, the class from Corpus Christi was broken up. Pond said a last goodbye to Martin Mahannah, Thomas Benson, and John Lucas (bound for VMF-221 at Midway), and to William Kirby (to the USS Vincennes). The creation of a new squadron on May 1, 1942, gave Pond a permanent home as a Bulldog of VMF-223.
The Bulldogs became the first fighter squadron to base out of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal; their Wildcats, plus the dive-bombers of VMSB-232 and scattered USAAF aircraft were dubbed the Cactus Air Force and represented the only reliable American air power on the island.
On August 24, just four days after his arrival on Guadalcanal, Zenneth Pond had his first serious encounter with the Japanese. At 1420, the air raid alert sounded, and the Marines ran for their aircraft as approximately 27 enemy fighters and bombers approached Henderson Field. Lieutenant Ponds group caught up with the Japanese as they retreated from their bomb run, and fell upon the enemy like wolves. Pond not only survived his first fight, but brought down two bombers and one Zero fighter, a score that matched the famous Captain Marion Carl. Although Lawrence Taylor and Elwood Bailey were missing, the fight had been a lopsided success for the Americans, who landed hilariously elated in the words of historian John Lundstrom, and claimed seventeen enemy aircraft destroyed.
Pond flew again on August 26 and did not score, but an interception on August 29 netted him a Zero, though a bullet through the engine forced him into an emergency landing. A flight on August 30 (after sitting ready in his fighter for nearly 12 hours) brought down another enemy fighter, bringing his total number of kills to five and elevating him to the status of fighter ace. He was laconic about his score. I just squeezed the trigger and just let him have it as he came up in front of me. I blew him to bits, he told a Marine Corps correspondent.
The young lieutenant had a close call on September 5 when a Japanese gunner almost got the best of him. Though he brought down a bomber (his 6th kill), Ponds aircraft was badly shot up, and the engine quit while he was returning to base. His flying skill saved his life as he made a dead stick landing back at Henderson; the Wildcat was not so lucky and was deemed damaged beyond repair. In addition to another notch on his scorecard, Pond showed off a mark on his arm where a bullet had grazed him, nearly breaking the skin.
Date Of Loss:
Zenneth Pond took off in F4F-4 #02071 to repel yet another Japanese air raid on the morning of September 10, 1942. (6) He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes, and facing those odds, Ponds luck ran out. His aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lieutenant Pond was never seen again.
Pond was awarded a posthumous promotion to Captain and a Navy Cross.
The Pond family's roots run deep in American history.
Members of the Pond family sailed to North America with Puritan John Winthrop. Others fought alongside Gen. George Washington, crossing the Delaware River with him. They are at many major moments in American history, but are seemingly forgotten.
Zenneths great-great-grandfather was Josiah Pond.
Soaring Young Alumni Award
How do you define a hero? Dr. Douglas Benn 55, answers this question regarding his Uncle Zenny, Zenneth Pond, as follows, You lead a life of outstanding example, youre honest, you take on new adventures striving to learn more, and youre intelligent. You exhibit goodwill, are motivated and take on new challenges. You have good humor and smile just look at Uncle Zennys photo, you cant help but want to smile back you want to follow an approachable leader. You must like people and ultimately have a desire to make things better. Uncle Zenny was 19 years old and right out of college, he went deer hunting and learned how to shoot a gun. He dedicated his whole life to service by transferring from the Navy to the Marines in order to quickly become a Second Lieutenant and receive his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator.
This appointment happened on Feb. 19, 1942, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. Once in California, he found a permanent home as a Bulldog of Squadron VMF-223. On Aug. 24, 1942, the Bulldogs became the first squadron to base out of Guadalcanal. During the next 12 days, Zenneth Pond brought down a total of six enemy fighters. On Sept. 10, 1942, after just 18 days on the island, Pond took off in an F4F-4 to repel yet another Japanese air raid in the morning. He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes; his aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lt. Pond was never seen again.
A lasting tribute
The Second Lieutenant Zenneth A. Pond Young Alumni Award, created in 2017, celebrates the memory of the Jackson Junior College Civilian Pilot Training Program alumnus. It recognizes Ponds superior naval aviator performance and service as a member and flying ace of the Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) in World War II. He embodied courage, goodwill, and a desire to make things better, one who became a true hero and leader when he put himself on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Pond Young Alumni Award honors and acknowledges excellence and leadership in a Jackson College alumni aged 35 and younger.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves by reaching for a high level by reaching for a high level of professional accomplishment and who possesses quality standards of integrity and character.
He was missing in action on September 10, 1942, and Sept 11, 1943 is the legal finding of death date.
--------------
Service Number: O-009433
Birth and Early Life:
Zenneth Pond was born on December 7, 1919 in Jackson, Michigan. He was part of Albert and Zella Ponds large family, growing up with siblings Lacern, Sereno, Esterline, Pauline, Kenneth, and Delbert. A typical American kid who shared a paper route with his brother Kenneth, Zenneth (whose name also appeared as Zenith) graduated from Jackson High School in 1938, moved out of his parents home, and attended Jackson Junior College, where his yearbook noted He likes his fellow men.
Ponds other great love was flying. He studied aviation through the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and became the first in his class to earn a private pilots license in 1940.
Enlistment and Boot Camp:
In June of 1941, Pond enlisted in the Marine Corps and immediately began flight training. His civilian experience enabled him to skip to the top of his class at NAS Corpus Christi almost immediately. He was preparing to celebrate his 22nd birthday when news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor reached the base.
On February 19, 1942, Second Lieutenant Pond received his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego.
Wartime Service:
Once in California, the class from Corpus Christi was broken up. Pond said a last goodbye to Martin Mahannah, Thomas Benson, and John Lucas (bound for VMF-221 at Midway), and to William Kirby (to the USS Vincennes). The creation of a new squadron on May 1, 1942, gave Pond a permanent home as a Bulldog of VMF-223.
The Bulldogs became the first fighter squadron to base out of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal; their Wildcats, plus the dive-bombers of VMSB-232 and scattered USAAF aircraft were dubbed the Cactus Air Force and represented the only reliable American air power on the island.
On August 24, just four days after his arrival on Guadalcanal, Zenneth Pond had his first serious encounter with the Japanese. At 1420, the air raid alert sounded, and the Marines ran for their aircraft as approximately 27 enemy fighters and bombers approached Henderson Field. Lieutenant Ponds group caught up with the Japanese as they retreated from their bomb run, and fell upon the enemy like wolves. Pond not only survived his first fight, but brought down two bombers and one Zero fighter, a score that matched the famous Captain Marion Carl. Although Lawrence Taylor and Elwood Bailey were missing, the fight had been a lopsided success for the Americans, who landed hilariously elated in the words of historian John Lundstrom, and claimed seventeen enemy aircraft destroyed.
Pond flew again on August 26 and did not score, but an interception on August 29 netted him a Zero, though a bullet through the engine forced him into an emergency landing. A flight on August 30 (after sitting ready in his fighter for nearly 12 hours) brought down another enemy fighter, bringing his total number of kills to five and elevating him to the status of fighter ace. He was laconic about his score. I just squeezed the trigger and just let him have it as he came up in front of me. I blew him to bits, he told a Marine Corps correspondent.
The young lieutenant had a close call on September 5 when a Japanese gunner almost got the best of him. Though he brought down a bomber (his 6th kill), Ponds aircraft was badly shot up, and the engine quit while he was returning to base. His flying skill saved his life as he made a dead stick landing back at Henderson; the Wildcat was not so lucky and was deemed damaged beyond repair. In addition to another notch on his scorecard, Pond showed off a mark on his arm where a bullet had grazed him, nearly breaking the skin.
Date Of Loss:
Zenneth Pond took off in F4F-4 #02071 to repel yet another Japanese air raid on the morning of September 10, 1942. (6) He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes, and facing those odds, Ponds luck ran out. His aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lieutenant Pond was never seen again.
Pond was awarded a posthumous promotion to Captain and a Navy Cross.
The Pond family's roots run deep in American history.
Members of the Pond family sailed to North America with Puritan John Winthrop. Others fought alongside Gen. George Washington, crossing the Delaware River with him. They are at many major moments in American history, but are seemingly forgotten.
Zenneths great-great-grandfather was Josiah Pond.
Soaring Young Alumni Award
How do you define a hero? Dr. Douglas Benn 55, answers this question regarding his Uncle Zenny, Zenneth Pond, as follows, You lead a life of outstanding example, youre honest, you take on new adventures striving to learn more, and youre intelligent. You exhibit goodwill, are motivated and take on new challenges. You have good humor and smile just look at Uncle Zennys photo, you cant help but want to smile back you want to follow an approachable leader. You must like people and ultimately have a desire to make things better. Uncle Zenny was 19 years old and right out of college, he went deer hunting and learned how to shoot a gun. He dedicated his whole life to service by transferring from the Navy to the Marines in order to quickly become a Second Lieutenant and receive his official appointment as a Marine Corps aviator.
This appointment happened on Feb. 19, 1942, with orders to report to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. Once in California, he found a permanent home as a Bulldog of Squadron VMF-223. On Aug. 24, 1942, the Bulldogs became the first squadron to base out of Guadalcanal. During the next 12 days, Zenneth Pond brought down a total of six enemy fighters. On Sept. 10, 1942, after just 18 days on the island, Pond took off in an F4F-4 to repel yet another Japanese air raid in the morning. He and three other pilots opposed 46 enemy planes; his aircraft disappeared during the dogfight, and Lt. Pond was never seen again.
A lasting tribute
The Second Lieutenant Zenneth A. Pond Young Alumni Award, created in 2017, celebrates the memory of the Jackson Junior College Civilian Pilot Training Program alumnus. It recognizes Ponds superior naval aviator performance and service as a member and flying ace of the Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) in World War II. He embodied courage, goodwill, and a desire to make things better, one who became a true hero and leader when he put himself on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Pond Young Alumni Award honors and acknowledges excellence and leadership in a Jackson College alumni aged 35 and younger.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves by reaching for a high level by reaching for a high level of professional accomplishment and who possesses quality standards of integrity and character.
Bio by: Karen Ferency Baker
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Michigan.
