World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in St. Paul Minnesota, he attended St. Thomas Military Academy, graduated in 1935. He enlisted in the Marine Corps for flight training and finished at the top of his class in 1940. On June 4, 1942 Captain Fleming's Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 was ordered to attack the Japanese Fleet off of Midway Island. His commanding officer was killed and his aircraft limped back with 171 holes in it after he failed to drop a bomb on the aircraft carrier "Akagi." The next day he was promoted to squadron commander and returned to the battle. He directed his squadron in a coordinated glide-bombing and dive-bombing assault upon the Japanese. He pressed his aircraft to an altitude of 500 feet in a screaming dive at the Japanese cruiser "Mikuma." The enemy ship was struck with the bomb, then by Captain Fleming's plane. He and his plane were last seen crashed to the sea in flames. Captain Richard Fleming was the only man to receive the Medal of Honor during this crucial battle. His Medal was awarded posthumously to his mother by President Roosevelt on November 24, 1942.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in St. Paul Minnesota, he attended St. Thomas Military Academy, graduated in 1935. He enlisted in the Marine Corps for flight training and finished at the top of his class in 1940. On June 4, 1942 Captain Fleming's Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 was ordered to attack the Japanese Fleet off of Midway Island. His commanding officer was killed and his aircraft limped back with 171 holes in it after he failed to drop a bomb on the aircraft carrier "Akagi." The next day he was promoted to squadron commander and returned to the battle. He directed his squadron in a coordinated glide-bombing and dive-bombing assault upon the Japanese. He pressed his aircraft to an altitude of 500 feet in a screaming dive at the Japanese cruiser "Mikuma." The enemy ship was struck with the bomb, then by Captain Fleming's plane. He and his plane were last seen crashed to the sea in flames. Captain Richard Fleming was the only man to receive the Medal of Honor during this crucial battle. His Medal was awarded posthumously to his mother by President Roosevelt on November 24, 1942.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
Captain - USMC - Minnesota
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