- Edwin William Hurst
Edwin William Hurst was born
16 October 1910 atFalls City, Nebraska .Education
He graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy in 1932.Navy career
After serving in
USS Tennessee (BB-43) , he completed flight training in 1935. He was then assigned to several squadrons and aviation shore facilities before reporting on boardUSS Lexington (CV-2) 19 May 1941 .Earning Two Distinguished Flying Crosses
"Hurst" earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses. During the critical
Battle of the Coral Sea 7 to8 May 1942 , he daringly attacked carrier Shoho, scoring hits which contributed to her sinking; and the following day severely damaged carrier Shokaku. While flying over the unchartedOwen Stanley Range , he pressed home a successfultorpedo attack in the face of heavyantiaircraft fire, severely damaging enemy shipping and installations atSalamaua andLae ,New Guinea ,10 March 1942 .Lost in a Plane Crash
With his gallant carrier USS Lexington sunk during the
Battle of the Coral Sea , "Lt. Hurst" flew fromNew Zealand until his death9 June 1942 in a crash nearWhemuapai .Namesake
USS Hurst (DE-250) was named in his honor. The ship, adestroyer escort , was launched byBrown Shipbuilding Co.,Houston, Texas ,14 April 1943 ; sponsored by Mrs. Jeanette Harris Hurst, widow; and commissioned30 August 1943 , Lt. Comdr. B. H. Brallier commanding.ee also
References
:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/h9/hurst-ii.htm Edwin William Hurst]
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