George M. Campbell

George M. Campbell (1907–1942) was a United States Navy officer who received the Navy Cross posthumously for his actions in combat during World War II.

Naval career

George Marvin Campbell was born on 7 January 1907 in Madras, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 27 June 1928.

In 1942 Campbell underwent flight training and was appointed Lieutenant, junior grade, on 2 April 1942. He joined Torpedo Squadron 8 on board the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) just in time to take part in the Battle of Midway. Piloting a Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bomber during the battle, Campbell took off with his squadron on 4 June 1942 to intercept the Japanese fleet, and without fighter cover attacked the enemy aircraft carriers against murderous opposition. Knowing full well that they had insufficient fuel to return to Hornet, the Torpedo Squadron 8 crews pressed their attack gallantly until all were shot down. Campbell was listed as presumed dead on 5 June 1942.

Awards

Campbell was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions at Midway.

Namesake

The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS George M. Campbell (DE-773), launched in 1944 but never completed, was named for Campbell.

References

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.