John J. Webster

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John J. Webster, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Webster obtained a Garand rifle and ammunition and kept up a continuous fire until all enemy aircraft had disappeared. He then proceeded by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. He took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking forces, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Haleiwa, then toward Kaena Point, where he encountered two enemy aircraft. Though outnumbered he immediately attacked the enemy formation and continued to engage them until after his controls were damaged and he had received a leg wound from enemy machine gun fire. He then returned his plane safely to the field. First Lieutenant Webster’s initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

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