Raymond Joseph Darce

Aviation Radioman Third Class, United States Naval Reserve

Distinguished Flying Cross

RAYMOND JOSEPH DARCE was born on 18 Oct 1922 in Theriot, Terrebonne Parish. Louisiana. He was the son of Camille Henri Darce and Louise Marie Theriot who were married about 1919. Raymond's siblings were Laura Mae, John Joseph, Joyce, Donald Joseph, and James Darce.

After obtaining his father's permission, Raymond enlisted in the US Naval Reserves (NSN: 644-00-95), (V-6), 25 Jun 1941 in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.) He transferred to the Naval Training Station (NTS), Norfolk, VA for recruit training the same day. During recruit training Darce was selected to attended the Aviation Radioman Class "A" service school after graduation. He completed recruit training, was granted recruit leave, and then returned to NTS, Norfolk. He detached from NTS Norfolk about 20 Aug 1941 and reported for duty under instruction at the 16 week Radioman Service School at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda, CA on 27 Aug 1941. On 25 Oct 1941, Darce advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). After Radioman School graduation, S2c Darce detached from NAS Alameda on 09 Jan 1942 and transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor, HI. The same day Darce embarked as a passenger on board the transport, USS Wharton (AP7), in San Francisco. Wharton got underway on 10 Jan 1942 and steamed to Pearl Harbor, T.H. arriving on 18 Jan 1942. There Darce disembarked and transferred to the Receiving Station at Pearl Harbor, T.H. From that Receiving Station, S2c Darce was assigned to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) for duty. Over the next four months, Darce advanced in rate to Seaman First Class and Aviation Radioman Third Class (ARM3c).

After the USS Saratoga (CV-3) was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on 11 January 1942, she returned to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She steamed to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. The Air Group Three squadrons, including VT-3, transferred to other commands awaiting reassignment. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii. On 28 May 1942, the squadron was reassigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown (CV-5). Aviation squadrons from Air Group Three flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the chart called "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was posed to attack Midway Island.

About a week later, on 4 June 1942, Ensign Smith and his gunner ARM3 Raymond J. Darce, launched their torpedo plane from the flight deck of Yorktown with other planes of the Yorktown air group to attack the Japanese Striking Forces approaching Midway. Although they had some friendly fighter protection enroute to their targets VT-3 had to thread their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve torpedo planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack, and they had to ditch in the ocean. Ensign Smith and Petty Officer Darce did not return from this mission. They were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. A telegram sent 17 Jun 1942 from the Navy Department in Washington, DC notified Darce's family that he was missing in the service of his country. On 5 Jun 1943, ARM3 Darce was "presumed" dead. His remains were unrecoverable.

Petty Officer Darce was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.

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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Raymond Joseph Darce, Aviation Radioman Third Class, United States Naval Reserves, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner of a Plane in Torpedo Squadron THREE, in attacks against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 June 1942. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire, he assisted in repelling overwhelming fighter forces with vigorous and heroic determination, thereby aiding his squadron in pressing home the attack.

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)

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His family received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of their son. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Raymond Joseph Darce, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,

President of the United States

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Combat Action Ribbon note:

None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, the appropriate award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.

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[bio compiled on 08 Dec 2016 by Gerry Lawton (G47)]

Military Hall of Honor #90722

Find a Grave Memorial: 173636852

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