Zenneth A. Pond

Zenneth Arthur Pond (December 7, 1919 – September 10, 1942) was a United States Marine Corps flying ace. He was the first Marine ace to be killed in action during World War II and was a posthumous recipient of the Navy Cross.

Early life and aviation career Zenneth A. Pond was born on December 7, 1919, in Jackson, Michigan. Graduating from Jackson High School in 1938, he subsequently attended Jackson Junior College. While in college, he studied aviation through the Civil Aeronautics Administration. Pond earned his private pilot's license in 1940.

Pond enlisted into the Marine Corps in June 1941 and was sent to flight training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. On February 19, 1942, Pond was officially designated a Marine Corps aviator and was ordered to report to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego, California.

On August 24, Second Lieutenant Pond scrambled to his plane and took off from the field as the air raid siren sounded. Pond and other Marine pilots intercepted 27 Japanese aircraft attempting to bomb Henderson Field. More than half of the Japanese planes were shot down, with Pond himself scoring victories against two bombers and one fighter. He was listed as missing in action and declared dead the next day.

Pond's body was never recovered. For his actions during the Guadalcanal campaign, Pond was posthumously promoted to captain and awarded the Navy Cross.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator BadgeNavy CrossPurple Heartw/ " gold starNavy Presidential Unit CitationAmerican Defense Service MedalAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic–Pacific Campaign Medalw/ " bronze starWorld War II Victory Medal

Navy Cross citation

Second Lieutenant Zenneth Arthur Pond U.S. Marine Corps The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Zenneth Arthur Pond, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands from 20 August 1942 to 13 September 1942. Alone, and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, Second Lieutenant Pond courageously attacked and shot down six enemy planes. His outstanding valor and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.