Talk with Edward "Butch" O'Hare

Edward "Butch" O'Hare was a United States Navy aviator who became the Navy's first flying ace and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was born on March 13, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in a family that faced many challenges, including his father's involvement with organized crime. Despite these challenges, O'Hare pursued a career in naval aviation.

O'Hare's most famous action took place on February 20, 1942, while he was based on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington during a mission in the Pacific. O'Hare and his section were the only fighters in position to counter a surprise attack by Japanese bombers aiming at the Lexington. In a remarkable display of skill and bravery, O'Hare engaged the enemy bombers and shot down five of them, saving the carrier from severe damage. His actions not only demonstrated extraordinary heroism but also made him a national hero.

For his significant achievements on that day, O'Hare was awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy continued to be remembered, particularly in the naming of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in his honor in 1949. Tragically, O'Hare was later killed in action on November 26, 1943, during a nighttime fighter mission in the Pacific Theater.

Butch O'Hare's story remains a prominent example of valor and sacrifice in the history of the United States Navy and American military history overall.

Edward "Butch" O'Hare did not survive World War II. He was killed in action on November 26, 1943, during a night fighter mission near the Gilbert Islands in the Pacific Ocean. O'Hare was leading a squadron in an attack on a group of Japanese bombers when his aircraft was apparently shot down. His body was never recovered. His heroic actions and significant contributions to naval aviation are remembered and honored, and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is named in his memory.

Edward "Butch" O'Hare is remembered in military history as a highly distinguished naval aviator in the United States Navy during World War II. He was the Navy's first flying ace and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II.

O'Hare earned this prestigious award for his actions on February 20, 1942, during the Pacific War. While flying from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, he single-handedly engaged a formation of nine attacking Japanese bombers, shooting down five of them to prevent a strike on the Lexington. This act of bravery and skill not only saved his carrier from significant damage but also made him a national hero.

Tragically, O'Hare was killed in combat on November 26, 1943, during a nighttime fighter intercept mission near the Gilbert Islands. His legacy, however, has been honored in several ways, perhaps most notably by the naming of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after him, as well as the USS O'Hare, a destroyer named in his honor. His contributions to naval aviation and his heroic actions in the face of overwhelming odds have left a lasting mark on military history.

Edward "Butch" O'Hare's upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character and military ethos. Born on March 13, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, O'Hare grew up in a relatively supportive family environment that emphasized hard work, integrity, and perseverance. His father, Edward Joseph O'Hare, known as E.J., was a prominent lawyer and later involved with Al Capone before turning against him, which exemplified a complex sense of ethics and courage.

The younger O'Hare was known for his determination and focus from a young age. He attended the Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois, where he was influenced by the disciplined environment and the emphasis on leadership and responsibility. This background likely instilled in him the leadership qualities and the sense of duty that would be evident in his later military career.

Moreover, Butch O'Hare excelled in flying, spurred perhaps by his father’s interest in aviation. E.J. O'Hare had briefly worked as a pilot and was knowledgeable about aircraft, which likely sparked an early interest in aviation in his son. This interest led Butch to later pursue a career in aviation, joining the U.S. Navy and eventually becoming a pilot.

These elements— his disciplined education, his father's complex legacy of courage and integrity, and his early passion for flying— converged to forge a military officer who was not only skilled but also profoundly committed to his service duty, as evidenced by his heroic actions during World War II.

Edward "Butch" O'Hare was born on March 13, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Edward "Butch" O'Hare was deeply influenced by his father, Edward Joseph O'Hare, who was a lawyer and associated with organized crime figures but later helped the government prosecute Al Capone. His father's actions, displaying courage and a sense of duty, likely instilled similar values in Butch. Additionally, like many young men of his era, O'Hare was drawn to the emerging field of aviation, which was seen as glamorous and exciting. After attending the Western Military Academy and later the Naval Academy, O'Hare became committed to a career in the military. His talents and interests naturally led him to flight training, where he excelled, ultimately leading him to become a fighter pilot.

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