LOFTON R. HENDERSON, MAJ, USMC
Lofton Henderson '26
Lucky Bag
From the 1926 Lucky Bag:
Lofton Russel Henderson
Lorain, Ohio
"Joe Schmaltz"
PRESENTING the Honorable Joe Schmaltz, author of Schmaltz 's "Essays on Sundry Subjects," also author of much other beguiling nonsense—nonsense which has at times made even the gravest smile. He's a happy-go-lucky creature, generally happy if not often lucky.
The boy has numerous claims to fame. First, he holds all Academy records for the Late Blast Dash for all distances from the Ground Deck to the roof. In the course of his extensive experiments to determine the least possible seconds that could be spent in dressing and reaching formation on time, Joe hung up the record of thirteen "Lates to Formation" in one week. And that's no idle romancing; it's all on the books. But he never did stint himself on demerits. Not content with breaking indoor track records, he went out Youngster year and heaved the discus—"throwing the pie" he called it—far enough to earn his numerals.
Schmaltz is a handsome devil in his blonde Swedish way. Incidentally, he objects to being called Swedish; says anybody ought to know good Scotch when he sees it! But, as we were saying, the women do fall for him (awful fools, women). He writes to seven girls and calls each one "Dearest!"
But, all joking aside; despite the fact that he'll keep you waiting three minutes for every two that you spend in his company, still he does make a good roommate.
Class Track (3, 2, 1), Numerals (3, 2, 1).
Lofton Russel Henderson
Lorain, Ohio
"Joe Schmaltz"
PRESENTING the Honorable Joe Schmaltz, author of Schmaltz 's "Essays on Sundry Subjects," also author of much other beguiling nonsense—nonsense which has at times made even the gravest smile. He's a happy-go-lucky creature, generally happy if not often lucky.
The boy has numerous claims to fame. First, he holds all Academy records for the Late Blast Dash for all distances from the Ground Deck to the roof. In the course of his extensive experiments to determine the least possible seconds that could be spent in dressing and reaching formation on time, Joe hung up the record of thirteen "Lates to Formation" in one week. And that's no idle romancing; it's all on the books. But he never did stint himself on demerits. Not content with breaking indoor track records, he went out Youngster year and heaved the discus—"throwing the pie" he called it—far enough to earn his numerals.
Schmaltz is a handsome devil in his blonde Swedish way. Incidentally, he objects to being called Swedish; says anybody ought to know good Scotch when he sees it! But, as we were saying, the women do fall for him (awful fools, women). He writes to seven girls and calls each one "Dearest!"
But, all joking aside; despite the fact that he'll keep you waiting three minutes for every two that you spend in his company, still he does make a good roommate.
Class Track (3, 2, 1), Numerals (3, 2, 1).
Loss
Joe was lost on June 4, 1942 when his Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless dive bomber was shot down during an attack on the Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu at the Battle of Midway. He was the commanding officer of Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron (VMSB) 241; they had been stationed at Midway Atoll from April 17, 1942.
Biography
From researcher Kathy Franz:
His favorite sport was basketball.
He was nominated to the Naval Academy by Congressman C. L. Knight.
On August 19, 1933, Lofton married Jule Adeline Williams Galey at her mother’s home in Pensacola.
In 1943, his high school awarded the Lofton Henderson Memorial Trophy to the winning intramural basketball team. The trophy was given to the school by his classmate Seaman Dick Burrett. Admiral Ernest King was another graduate of Lorain high school and was also featured in the 1943 yearbook.
From Military Hall of Honor, by CDR Gerry Lawton, USN (Ret.):
Lofton was the son of Frederick Ernest and Catherine "Katie" (Schwartz) Henderson who married about 1897. Lofton's siblings were Charlotta Marie, Frederick Paul and Shirley Hale Henderson. Frederick served in WWII and Korea. He retired in 1959 from the US Marine Corps with the rank of Brigadier General.
Lofton attended Lorain high school in Lorain, OH where he was the captain of the football team. He entered the US Naval Academy on an appointment from Ohio on 11 July 1922. While at the academy, Lofton played football. On 22 May 1926, Lofton R Henderson was appointed 2d Lt. in the Marine Corps by and with the advise and consent of the Senate, upon graduation from the Naval Academy (NA), Annapolis, Md., to rank from 04 Jun 1926. He accepted the appointment and executed the oath of office on 03 Jun 1926 at Annapolis, and was assigned to the Marine Corps.
On 29 May 1926, he was designated a Student Naval Aviator (SNA) and detailed to duty involving flying, effective from and after 04 Jun 1926. On 30 Apr 1926, he was under instruction in aviation at the Naval Academy and continued at Annapolis until 26 Sep 1926 when Lt Henderson was removed from flying status (apparently he broke his leg) and assigned to a non-flying billet at the Marine Barracks, Naval Torpedo Station (NTS) Newport, RI as a company officer. On 16 Feb 1927, Lt Henderson was detached from NTS, RI and reported to the Marine Barracks, School Detachment, Navy Yard, Philadelphia for Basic Class. Henderson completed the Basic Class on 15 Aug 1927. While there he qualified as a Marksman on 15 Jun 1927. He was detached to the MB, Navy Yard, New York, NY on 16 July 1927 where he was the Detachment Officer. During Sep 1927 he had additional duties as the Yard Fire Marshall, and he acted as counsel for the defense during a General Court Marshal (GCM) at the Navy Yard.
Once again, between 1-13 October 1927, he acted as the counsel for defense at a GCM at the Navy Yard. On 17 Oct he was sent on temporary duty with the 3rd Brigade. On the 3rd of Nov 1927, Lt Henderson embarked in San Francisco, CA., as a passenger with a detachment of Marines aboard U.S.A.T. Thomas enroute to Tientsin, China via Manila, P.I. The ship made stops in Honolulu, T.H. (11 Nov), and Guam, M.I. (24 Nov) before arriving at Cavite, Philippines on 30 Nov 1927. They disembarked from the Thomas and continued their journey on 01 Dec 1927 via the USS Pecos (AO-6) to the 3rd Brigade in China. They arrived at Chinwangtao, China on 16 Dec 1927 and proceeded by rail to Tientsin, China arriving at their destination the same day. Lt Henderson was assigned to the 15th Machine Gun and Howitzer Company, 12th Regiment, 3rd Brigade at Teintsin, China. He was assigned to command the First Platoon. On 12 April 1928, Lt Henderson was temporarily detached to the aviation squadron, Camp McMurray, Hain Ho, China, for a physical examination by a flight surgeon.
After his physical, Lt Henderson resumed his duties with the First Platoon. On 01 May 1928, he was relieved of his duties with the First Platoon and was assigned duties as Reconnaissance Officer. On 01 Jun 1928, Lt Henderson was again assigned duties commanding the First Platoon. Prior to his return to the US, on 11 July, Lt Henderson took several days of leave in Peking, China. He had received orders to report to Observation Squadron #8 in San Diego. He detached from his command in China and embarked on the USS Chaumont (AP-5) in Taku Bar, China on the 11th and sailed on 12 July 1928. He arrived in San Francisco on 17 Aug 1928 and reported to Observation Squadron Eight-m, A.S., W.C.E.F., Mather Field, Mills (Sacramento), CA. He was under preliminary aviation instruction from 21 to 31 Aug 1928. Lt Henderson was designated a Student Naval Aviator (SNA) on 01 Sep 1928 and detailed to duty involving flying as an SNA. For the next three weeks he continued preliminary aviation instruction. He successfully completed that training, and, on 20 Sep 1928, he was detached to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola, FL. Lt Henderson arrived at the MB, NAS, Pensacola on 03 Oct as an SNA.
He continued his training into December 1928 when he took a week's leave over Christmas and New Years. The new year of 1929 began with more intensive aviation training for Lt Henderson. Finally, after a year of aviation training, Lt Henderson was designated a NAVAL AVIATOR on 20 Sep 1929 and detailed to duty involving flying as a pilot. In Oct 1929, now a new Marine Corps pilot, Lt Henderson became ill and was hospitalized for 10 days at the US Naval Hospital, Pensacola. On 11 Nov 1929, he was detached from NAS Pensacola to report to the Marine Barracks, Quantico, VA with a delay enroute (leave) between 18 Nov 1929 and 02 Jan 1930. He reported to VF Squadron 4M, ECEF (East Coast Expeditionary Force)., MB, Quantico, VA with duties as a naval aviator and gunnery officer. On 17 Mar 1930, Lt Henderson was detached to Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade, Managua, Nicaragua. He embarked on the USS Vega on 27 Mar 1930 and sailed from Hampton Roads, VA on 30 Mar 1930. He arrived on 09 April 1930 at Corinto, Nicaragua and joined VJ Sq. 6M, Second Brigade in Managua, Nicaragua. For the next year and a half Lt Henderson would serve in Nicaragua. On 2 Oct 1931, he embarked on the USS Vega at Corinto, Nicaragua and sailed on the same date. He arrived in Hampton Roads, VA on 14 Oct 1931 and commenced leave. He reported to NAS Pensacola on 29 Oct 1931 for duty as a Naval Aviation Instructor.
On 01July 1932, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in Pensacola, FL. While in Pensacola he met and married Jule Adeline Williams (name on Florida marriage record was Adeline Williams Galey) on 19 May 1933 in Escambia county, FL. He detached from Instructor duty at NAS Pensacola on 30 Aug 1933 and was on authorized delay enroute between 31 Aug to 12 Oct 1933 (cross country driving honeymoon). He reported as the Executive Officer of Bombing Plane Sq. Four M, AS, WCEF, NAS, San Diego on 13 Oct 1933. For the next three years Lt Henderson served with different squadrons in the San Diego area. Then on 30 Jun 1936, while serving with Observation Squadron (VO-8-M) Aircraft Two, 2nd Marine Brigade at NAS, San Diego, CA., Lt Henderson was promoted to Captain. His other duties included Communications and radio Officer and assistant Gunnery Officer. In Sep 1936 he was detailed to special temporary aviation duty at LA Municipal Airport in Los Angeles, CA in connection with National Air Races. Also that month, Capt Henderson was awarded the Nicaraguan Cross of Valor & Diploma.
Capt Henderson continued to serve in the San Diego area until July 1937 when he moved to the East Coast. This was the beginning of several years of duty with various aviation commands along the Atlantic coast; the first one being Bombing Sq. One in Quantico. In Dec 1938, he was assigned as a student in the Junior Course in Quantico, VA. He completed that course on 01 Jun 1939 and returned to the Base Air Detachment (BAD-1), FMF, MB, Quantico, VA. On 19 Jun 1940, Capt Henderson was assigned to Marine Scouting Sq. One, 1 Marine Air Group (MAG), FMF, MB., Quantico as the executive officer. In October, the squadron deployed to the Naval Air Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On 01 Oct 1940, Capt Henderson departed by air from MB, Quantico. After another stop on 2 Oct he arrived at the Naval Station (NS), Guantanamo Bay on 3 Oct 1941. The rest of the squadron, planes and crews, boarded the USS Ranger in Norfolk, VA and sailed on 2 Oct. They arrived in GTMO on 05 Oct. It would seem that the move didn't agree with the XO. A little over a week after arriving he became ill and was sent to the Navy dispensary for 9 days. By 1 April 1941, the squadron had returned to MB, Quantico, VA.
By 01 July 1941 he was transferred to the West Coast again. He was assigned to the HQ Sq, 2nd Marine Airwing in San Diego as a naval aviator. His other duties included Wing Intelligence, Contact and Communication Officer and Custodian of Registered Pubs. He also had additional duties as the Wing Operations Officer. On 8 July he was promoted to Major with a date of rank of 01 Mar 1941. In the early fall Major Henderson was in the US Naval Hospital in San Diego for almost the entire month of October. After the US entry into WWII, Major Henderson was transferred from HQ Sq, 2d MAW, San Diego via USAT Aquitaine. He embarked on 30 Mar 1942 in San Francisco and arrived in Pearl Harbor on 4 Apr 1942. Between 4-11 April Major Henderson was assigned to HQ&SS-21, MAG-21 awaiting assignment. On 12 Apr, he sailed on the USS William Ward Burrows from Pearl Harbor to MAG-22, Midway Islands. With Major Henderson were Capt Kirk Armistead, and 2Lt's Thomas J Gratzek, Bruno P. Hagedorn, and Thomas F Moore Jr. They would be assigned to his squadron. Once on Midway, Major Henderson relieved Capt. Leo Smith in command of VSMB-241 on 17 April. Now in command, Major Henderson stepped up training, reorganizing the squadron and instituting tactics using 19 planes: four boxes of four aircraft apiece, with the lead element consisting of the commanding officer and two wing-men. A month later on 26 May 1942 VSMB-241 practiced glide-bombing and strafing, as well as squadron tactics. Later that day, the aircraft ferry USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1), arrived from Hawaii with 19 Douglas SBD-2s for VMSB-241 and Major Benjamin W Norris, the squadron's new Executive Officer. With Major Norris were more "rookie" Marine pilots; Marine Corps Reserve Lts John C. Musselman, Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Charles M. Kune, Bruce H. Ek, Ray A. Corry Jr., John M. Butler and Robert J. "R" Bear, and Albert William Tweedy, Jr.
Early on the morning of 04 Jun 1942, VSMB-241 squadron led by her commander, Major Lofton Henderson, took off from the Naval Air Station, Midway enroute to attack the Japanese Strike Force approaching Midway. With the enemy aircraft carrier Hiryu in sight Henderson led his group of dive bombers on a shallow dive when they were swarmed by superior numbers of attacking enemy fighters whose objective was to shoot down the dive bomber's leader and break up the attack. Major Henderson's plane was set afire and hurtled into the sea. Reports indicate that a parachute was observed blossoming from behind Henderson's plane, but neither of the men were seen again.
Maj Henderson and his gunner, PFC Lee Walter Reininger's remains were unrecoverable. They were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942 and declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.
Maj. Henderson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation , American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Lofton is listed at the Courts of the Missing in Hawaii.
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Lofton Russell Henderson (MCSN: 0-4084), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Squadron Commander and a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Major Henderson, with keen judgment and courageous aggressiveness in the face of strong enemy fighter opposition, led his squadron in an attack which contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy. He was subsequently reported as missing it action. It is believed he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Major
Memorials
From Find A Grave:
WW2 Henderson Field at Guadalcanal was named for him on 19 Aug 1942. USS Henderson DD-785 commissioned on 4 Aug 1945, Seattle. 21st Street Bridge in Lorain, Ohio, one of the twin bridges over the Black River, named the Lofton Henderson Memorial Bridge, October 21, 1991. Originally Henderson Field on Eastern Island (Midway Atoll) was active and now the public airport is currently located on Sand Island (Midway Atoll) named Henderson Field.
Namesake
USS Henderson (DD 785) was named for Joe.
Photographs
"My mother's favorite picture done by Lou Goodale Bigelow in Coronado. LGB was a local San Diego/Coronado studio of two very talented women photographers: Lou and her assistant, a Marine wife, Jeanette Merritt Atkinson. (photograph and other proof-poses in my possession)". Roy and Robin Adair, June 26, 2011
"Joe getting ready for a flight at North Island, Coronado, CA probably between 1933-1935 before leaving for a tour in Quantico." Roy and Robin Adair, June 26, 2011
"Photo taken in Tientsin, China about 1927. Check out those dandy "leather putts."" Roy and Robin Adair, June 26, 2011
From The Tribune on October 8, 1942
From the Lorain high school yearbook, 1943
From the News Journal on July 16, 1942
The "Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps" was published annually from 1815 through at least the 1970s; it provided rank, command or station, and occasionally billet until the beginning of World War II when command/station was no longer included. Scanned copies were reviewed and data entered from the mid-1840s through 1922, when more-frequent Navy Directories were available.
The Navy Directory was a publication that provided information on the command, billet, and rank of every active and retired naval officer. Single editions have been found online from January 1915 and March 1918, and then from three to six editions per year from 1923 through 1940; the final edition is from April 1941.
The entries in both series of documents are sometimes cryptic and confusing. They are often inconsistent, even within an edition, with the name of commands; this is especially true for aviation squadrons in the 1920s and early 1930s.
Alumni listed at the same command may or may not have had significant interactions; they could have shared a stateroom or workspace, stood many hours of watch together… or, especially at the larger commands, they might not have known each other at all. The information provides the opportunity to draw connections that are otherwise invisible, though, and gives a fuller view of the professional experiences of these alumni in Memorial Hall.
October 1926
January 1927
April 1927
October 1927
January 1928
April 1928
July 1928
October 1928
January 1929
LT Edwin Conway '20
LT LaRue Lawbaugh '20
LT Stephen Cooke '21
LT James Carney '21
LT Francis Bridget '21
LT John Jones '21
LTjg William Davis '22
April 1929
LT LaRue Lawbaugh '20
LT James Carney '21
LT Francis Bridget '21
LT John Jones '21
LTjg William Davis '22
LT James Craig '22
LTjg Walter Leach, Jr. '24
LTjg Hubert Waters '25
LTjg Creighton Lankford '25
July 1929
LT LaRue Lawbaugh '20
LT James Carney '21
LT John Jones '21
LTjg William Davis '22
LT James Craig '22
LTjg Matthias Marple, Jr. '23
LTjg Walter Leach, Jr. '24
LTjg Walter Dey '24
LTjg Hubert Waters '25
October 1929
January 1930
April 1930
October 1930
January 1931
October 1931
LT Irving Wiltsie '21
LTjg Matthias Marple, Jr. '23
LTjg Robert Larson '24
LTjg James McDonough '24
LTjg Charles McDonald '24
LTjg Arthur Farrell '25
January 1932
LT Jack Richardson '19
LT Irving Wiltsie '21
LTjg Matthias Marple, Jr. '23
LTjg Robert Larson '24
LTjg James McDonough '24
LTjg Charles McDonald '24
LTjg Arthur Farrell '25
LTjg Carlton Hutchins '26
April 1932
LT Jack Richardson '19
LT Irving Wiltsie '21
LTjg Matthias Marple, Jr. '23
LTjg Robert Larson '24
LTjg James McDonough '24
LTjg Charles McDonald '24
LTjg Arthur Farrell '25
LTjg Carlton Hutchins '26
LTjg Charles Signer '26
October 1932
January 1933
April 1933
July 1933
October 1933
April 1934
July 1934
October 1934
January 1935
April 1935
October 1935
January 1936
April 1936
July 1936
January 1937
April 1937
September 1937
January 1938
July 1938
January 1939
October 1939
June 1940
November 1940
April 1941
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