George H. Gay, Jr.
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Ensign (later Lieutenant Commander) George H. Gay Jr. (March 8, 1917 in Waco, Texas - October 21, 1994) was a TBD Devastator pilot in United States Navy Torpedo Squadron 8 operating from the USS Hornet (CV-8) in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the crucial battle of Midway in World War II.
In the Battle of Midway, his unit found the main Japanese fleet and launched a suicidal attack unescorted by fighter planes. Of the squadron's thirty pilots and radiomen, Gay was the only survivor. His plane was shot down and, while floating in the ocean, he witnessed the subsequent dive bombing attacks that sank three of the four Japanese aircraft carriers present. After being rescued by a Navy PBY, he met with Admiral Nimitz and confirmed the destruction of the three carriers.
Following the battle, Gay took part in the Guadalcanal campaign with another squadron, and he later became a navy flight instructor.
He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Presidential Unit Citation for his actions in battle.
After the war, he became a pilot for TWA. He often lectured on his Midway experiences. Following his death, Gay was cremated and his ashes were spread over the Pacific in the same place his squadron launched its ill-fated attack.
Gay was a graduate of Texas A&M University.
