Robert K. Huntington

Robert Kingsbury Huntington (13 March 1921 – 5 June 1942), was a naval aircrewman and member of Torpedo Squadron 8 (or VT-8). He was radioman/gunner to Ensign George Gay's TBD Devastator aircraft.[1] Along with his entire squadron (with the exception of Gay), Huntington was killed during the Battle of Midway, on 4 June 1942.

Born in Los Angeles, California, enlisted in the United States Navy 21 April 1941. He served on board Lexington (CV-2) and was rated aviation radioman third class before being transferred to Torpedo Squadron 8 on board Hornet (CV-8). He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement as rear gunner in George Gay's torpedo plane during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway 4 June 1942. Flying without fighter support, Gay and Huntington pressed home their attack with utter disregard for their own personal safety, in the face of a tremendous antiaircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. Huntington was killed when his plane was shot down. However, Gay survived, becoming the sole member of the squadron to live through the battle.

Namesake

The USS Robert K. Huntington (DD-781), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named in his honor. Robert K. Huntington attended The Lakeside School in Seattle Washington in 1940 after transferring from Pasadena College. Lakeside is the same prep school attended by Bill Gates ('73) and Paul Allen ('71).

References
  1. Symonds 2011, p. 271.
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
  • Craig L. Symonds, The Battle of Midway, 2011, Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-539793-2
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