William C. Lawe
| William Clare Lawe | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 26, 1910 Carson City, Michigan |
| Died | June 4, 1942 (aged 32) Midway Atoll † |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1928–1942 |
| Rank | Aviation Metalsmith Third cClass (AM3c) |
| Unit | Torpedo Squadron 8 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Battle of Midway |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation (VT-8) |
William Clare Lawe (January 26, 1910–June 4, 1942) was a United States Navy sailor who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart for his role in the Battle of Midway during World War II. His unit was attached to Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) which was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their courageous performance. Subsequently, a U.S. Navy destroyer was named in his honor.
Lawe was born on January 26, 1910 in Carson City, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 27, 1928 in Detroit, and attained the rate of aviation metalsmith third class (AM3c). Lawe was assigned to a part of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) which received the new Grumman TBF-1 Avenger torpedo bomber. This detachment from VT-8 temporarily left carrier Hornet (CV-8) to train in the TBF Avengers. They eventually arrived at Luke Field, Hawaii, for final training prior to rejoining their squadron mates in Hornet.
As American cryptoanalysts found that the Japanese planned an assault on strategic Midway Atoll, preparations proceeded rapidly to prepare the island to repel the expected attack. Accordingly, AM3c Lawe volunteered to participate in a detachment flight to Midway as aircrew in one of the six planes commanded by Lieutenant Langdon K. Fieberling. Lawe rode as gunner in the Avenger flown by Ensign Charles E. Brannon, USNR.
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