Van Valkenburgh, Franklin - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. NavyAwarded Posthumously

Van Valkenburgh, Franklin

ConflictWorld War II

Year of Action1941

Unit/CommandUSS Arizona (BB-39)

HometownMinneapolis, Minnesota

Citation

For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor T.H., by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As commanding officer of the USS Arizona, Capt. Van Valkenburgh gallantly fought his ship until the USS Arizona blew up from magazine explosions and a direct bomb hit on the bridge which resulted in the loss of his life.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: World War II Year of Action: 1941