Loren A. Stoddard

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Loren A. Stoddard, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action during the attack on Hickam Field by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Second Lieutenant Stoddard, a Pilot in the 19th Transport Squadron, proceeded to Hanger No. 17, where the squadron’s planes were parked. The adjacent hangar, No. 15, had already been severely bombed. A plane close by had been hit and was burning rapidly and its proximity to the transport planes greatly endangered them. Noting this danger Lieutenant Stoddard, on his own initiative and without orders, started the motors of one of the planes after the crew had rolled it back from the hangar a short distance. Although under fire by the enemy, Lieutenant Stoddard, with a crew member observing for him through the escape hatch, taxied the plane through debris and smoke to a relatively safe position on the field away from the hangars. Lieutenant Stoddard displayed fast thinking, bravery, coolness and a great devotion to duty by his action and was an inspiration to all who saw him. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Stoddard on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross