The Story of the American Pilot Who Shot Down 5 Planes in 4 Minutes

In the early days of 1942, just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the outlook for the United States was bleak. Japanese forces advanced rapidly, occupying key territories such as the Philippines, Singapore, and parts of Southeast Asia. They even threatened the eastern coast of Australia, creating a sense of urgency among the Allied forces. The U.S. Navy sought to counter these threats, often using daring strategies like diversionary raids. During one such mission, a young pilot named Edward “Butch” O’Hare emerged as a hero, taking on an entire formation of Japanese bombers to protect his carrier, the USS Lexington.

A Dangerous Encounter with Japanese Bombers

On February 20, 1942, the USS Lexington was about 400 miles northeast of Rabaul, an area under Japanese control. The mission was intended as a raid to distract the enemy and keep pressure off other critical locations in the Pacific. However, a Japanese reconnaissance plane detected the carrier’s position, compromising their plans. Soon, a group of nine Japanese G4M “Betty” bombers was spotted, aiming for the Lexington. U.S. Navy Grumman F4F Wildcats were launched to intercept, but not all of them were in position to defend the ship.

Butch O’Hare was one of only two pilots in the right place at the right time. He faced a daunting task—stopping the bombers before they could release their payloads on the Lexington. The Japanese bombers, heavily armed with defensive guns, presented a significant challenge. Yet, O’Hare pushed forward, using his skills and determination to engage the enemy.

O’Hare’s Heroic Feat

Flying his F4F Wildcat, O’Hare closed in on the formation. His first pass was decisive—he managed to bring down two bombers with precise shooting. Instead of retreating, he quickly turned for another run, taking down three more bombers in rapid succession. The action unfolded in just four minutes, witnessed by the sailors on the Lexington, who saw O’Hare’s Wildcat darting through the sky. His efforts thinned the formation and forced the remaining bombers to abandon their attack.

Despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from the bombers, O’Hare used his limited ammunition with great accuracy, expending only 60 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition during the encounter. This remarkable efficiency not only saved the Lexington but also made O’Hare the first ace of the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Recognition and Honors

O’Hare’s commanding officer, John Thach, and the captain of the Lexington, Frederick Sherman, recommended him for the Medal of Honor. While O’Hare humbly downplayed his role, crediting his fellow squadron members, his bravery could not go unnoticed. Amid a series of setbacks in the Pacific and Europe, O’Hare’s achievement provided a much-needed boost to morale back home. In April 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally awarded him the Medal of Honor at the White House, praising his bravery and skill.

A Leader and Innovator in Aerial Tactics

O’Hare continued to serve with distinction after his famous mission. By June 1942, he had taken command of Fighter Squadron 3, following his mentor John Thach. He transitioned to the more advanced F6F Hellcat fighter, which offered improved performance. With this new aircraft, O’Hare led missions against Japanese positions, adding more victories to his record during the raids on Wake Island.

He soon became the commander of Air Group 6 on the USS Enterprise. During this time, the Navy was experimenting with night fighting techniques, aiming to counter the threat of enemy bombers attacking under cover of darkness. O’Hare played a key role in developing a strategy involving a radar-equipped Grumman TBF Avenger. The plan was for the Avenger to guide two Hellcats into position to intercept enemy planes. This approach showed promise, but it was still in its early stages.

The Final Mission and O’Hare’s Legacy

On November 26, 1943, O’Hare took part in one of these night interception missions over the USS Enterprise. Alongside an Avenger and another Hellcat, O’Hare flew into the darkness to face incoming Japanese bombers. Unfortunately, the mission encountered difficulties, and in the confusion, O’Hare’s aircraft disappeared. For years, it was believed that he might have been hit by friendly fire from the Avenger, but later evidence suggested that a lucky shot from a Japanese bomber might have been the cause.

O’Hare was declared missing in action, and a year later, he was presumed dead. In 1947, Chicago’s Orchard Depot Airport was renamed O’Hare International Airport in his honor. Today, a restored F4F Wildcat, painted to resemble the one he flew during his Medal of Honor mission, is displayed in Terminal 2. The tribute serves as a reminder of his courage and the risks taken by those who fought in the skies during World War II.

Family Ties to an Infamous Past

O’Hare’s story also has an intriguing connection to American history through his father, Edward “Easy Eddie” O’Hare. Easy Eddie was a lawyer known for his work with Al Capone in the 1920s. According to some accounts, he later cooperated with federal authorities, helping secure the evidence that led to Capone’s imprisonment for tax evasion. This decision may have been influenced by a desire to set a better example for his son. In 1939, Edward O’Hare was killed in a gangland-style murder that remains unsolved.

Butch O’Hare’s heroism contrasted sharply with his father’s complicated past, and his story has become a part of American military lore. His actions during the war reflect the determination and courage that helped turn the tide in the Pacific, marking him as one of the notable figures in U.S. naval aviation history.