"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as commander, Air Group Fifteen, during
combat against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the First and Second Battles of the Philippine Sea. An inspiring leader, fighting boldly in
the face of terrific odds, Commander McCampbell led his fighter planes
against a force of eighty Japanese carrier-based aircraft bearing down
on our Fleet on June 19, 1944. Striking fiercely in valiant defense of
our surface force, he personally destroyed seven hostile planes during
this single engagement in which the outnumbering attack force was
utterly routed and virtually annihilated. During a major Fleet
engagement with the enemy on October 24, Commander McCampbell, assisted
by but one plane, intercepted and daringly attacked a formation of sixty
hostile land-based craft approaching our forces. Fighting desperately
but with superb skill against such overwhelming air power, he shot down
nine Japanese planes and, completely disorganizing the enemy group,
forced the remainder to abandon the attack before a single aircraft
could reach the Fleet. His great personal valor and indomitable spirit
of aggression under extremely perilous combat conditions reflect the
highest credit upon Commander McCampbell and the United States Naval Service."
From Commander McCampbell's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
McCampbell Terminal at the Palm Beach International Airport
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