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The FReeper Foxhole Remembers Lt. Cdr. Edward "Butch" O'Hare - Oct. 22nd, 2003
AcePilots.com ^
Posted on 10/22/2003 12:00:41 AM PDT by SAMWolf
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A Place For Heroes
O'Hare's original name was Orchard Field, which was renamed O'Hare International Airport in 1949 to honor naval pilot Lt. Cmdr. Edward "Butch" O'Hare.
O'Hare International Airport is named for Lt. Cmdr. Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot from Chicago known as one of the greatest heroes in naval history. O'Hare's incredible courage and effective leadership inspired Col. Robert H. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, to lead the charge to rename the Chicago-area airport (formerly named Orchard Field) in O'Hare's honor in 1949.
O'Hare's Story of Bravery
On February 20, 1942, the U.S.S. Lexington was approximately 400 miles from its destination of Rabaul Harbor in the Solomon Islands when the aircraft carrier was spotted by enemy patrols. Lt. O'Hare and another pilot picked up the formation of enemy fighters closing in on the Lexington and immediately ordered an attack. Within moments, his wingman's guns jammed, and without assistance, O'Hare carried out a swift and decisive strike on the enemy fighters, saving the U.S.S. Lexington and his fellow pilots.
For his inspiring leadership and gallant fighting spirit, O'Hare received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the mission that saved the Lexington, "one of the most daring, if not the most daring, single action in the history of combat aviation."
For his heroic actions in battles near Marcus Island on August 31, 1943 and near Wake Island on October 5, 1943, O'Hare was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Gold Star, some of the Navy's highest honors.
Just one month later, in November 1943, O'Hare volunteered to lead his squadron on a daring mission to conduct the first-ever Navy nighttime fighter attack from an aircraft carrier. After receiving the go-ahead from his Admiral, O'Hare led the first fighter section to intercept a large force of enemy torpedo bombers, but his plane was lost in enemy action and never found. He was just 29 years old. On November 27, 1944, Butch O'Hare was declared dead. The U.S. Navy recognized his unparalleled bravery with the Navy Cross award. He is also listed in the Navy Memorial Foundation.
The Butch O'Hare Airplane
In his Congressional Medal of Honor winning flight to save the U.S.S. Lexington, Butch O'Hare flew an F4F-3 Wildcat. The Wildcat was an extremely basic flying machine - it had hand-cranked landing gear made primarily of bicycle chains and sprockets, manually-charged guns, vacuum-powered wing flaps, a simple electrical system, and no hydraulics. Despite its simple design, it was a tough plane with a high degree of pilot survivability in crashes. The Wildcat earned for the Grumman Aircraft Factory, where it was built, the nickname "The Iron Works."
An original F4F-3 Wildcat was recovered from Lake Michigan by the United States Navy and donated to the Air Classics Museum. The plane was restored to replicate the one flown by Butch O'Hare. Sponsored by the City of Chicago and McDonald's Corporation, the recovered F4F-3 Wildcat is exhibited in Terminal Two at the West end of the ticketing lobby to honor the extraordinarily heroic feats of O'Hare International Airport's namesake.
There is still one reminder of that distant past when young men who fought America's battles in the skies knew it as Orchard Field. O'Hare's airport code used on tickets and baggage tags is ORD. A sense of history still has a place among all Chicago's achievements.
1
posted on
10/22/2003 12:00:42 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
To: snippy_about_it; PhilDragoo; Johnny Gage; Victoria Delsoul; Darksheare; Valin; bentfeather; radu; ..
Two Men, Two Lives
During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

Butch O'Hare Debriefing
One time his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return.
As he was returning to the mothership, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them. Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc.
Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier.

"Butch' O'Hare attacks a Japanese 'Kate' torpedo bomber
He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's highest military honors. And as you may know, the O'Hare Airport was also named after him.
Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the illegal things he'd done.
Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail. To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day.

Butch O`Hare Meets the 1st Chutai
Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example. Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him.
So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.
This sounds like two unrelated stories. But Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
Additional Sources: www.ohare.com
www.airwise.com
www.snopes.com
www.geocities.com/Athens
www.ussohare.com
www.aviation-history.com
www.milartgl.com
www.stenbergaa.com
www.cvl-22.com
www.americanflyers.net
2
posted on
10/22/2003 12:01:25 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Beware of quantum ducks: quark, quark.)
To: All
The presentation offered in "Two Men, Two Lives" would have us believe that this is a tale of redemption; a little morality play that demonstrates the importance of recognizing the errors of one's ways, of atoning for one's misdeeds, of trying to do right and prevent one's sins from being visited on future generations. Those are all valuable lessons, but they have precious little to do with this story.
As described here, Edward O'Hare was nothing less than a corrupt lawyer and out-and-out hoodlum. Despite his having entered a profession in which he was expected, of all things, to uphold the law, he willingly broke it to enrich himself by engaging in a variety of unethical and illegal schemes in partnership with the most notorious gangster in American history, Al Capone. What's more, he served as Capone's attorney, aiding the mobster in setting up numerous illegal enterprises and helping to keep Capone and his cronies out of prison.
If "Easy Eddie" did eventually provide information that aided federal authorities in sending Capone to prison for income tax evasion, it was not because he had an attack of conscience, wanted to right the wrongs he'd done, or sought to teach his son Edward Jr. (known as "Butch") the value of integrity -- he did it because he could see the handwriting on the wall (i.e., Capone was going to be nailed soon with or without his assistance), and by doing the feds a favor, he could secure an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis for his son (presumably at expense of other worthy candidates who lacked the advantage of having mob-connected lawyers for fathers).
Perhaps Edward O'Hare believed or knew he would be killed for what he had done; perhaps not. Either way, it was his son Butch who redeemed the family name through his wartime bravery and heroism, and the price he paid for that redemption was his life. None of that redemption was achieved through the actions of Edward Sr., save that the old man traded on some mob connections to move his son to the head of the line for Annapolis.
Do we think Easy Eddie "was able to pass the value of integrity on to his son"? Hell, no. Quite the opposite: He taught his son that if you're clever enough and sufficiently lacking in moral values you can live a life of wealth and privilege by victimizing others, and if your gravy train should ever derail you can always grab a few last ladlesful by ratting on your associates.
Butch O'Hare was suitably honored when the Chicago airport known as Orchard Depot was renamed O'Hare International in 1949. It's unfortunate that he and the airport have to share the O'Hare name with his criminal father. |
3
posted on
10/22/2003 12:01:52 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Beware of quantum ducks: quark, quark.)
To: All
4
posted on
10/22/2003 12:02:16 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Beware of quantum ducks: quark, quark.)
To: SAMWolf
Veterans Day 2003 - Attention Northern CaliforniaPDN News Desk ^ comwatch
Veterans Day is right around the corner.
It's an opportunity for us to support our troops, our country and show appreciations for our local veterans. It's another way to counter the Anti-Iraq campaign propaganda. Would you like to help? Are there any VetsCoR folks on the Left Coast? We have a school project that everyone can help with too, no matter where you live. See the end of this post for details.
Three Northern California events have been scheduled and we need help with each:
Friday evening - November 7th Veterans in School (An Evening of Living History, A Veterans Day Ice Cream Social)
Saturday - 11 a.m. November 8th: Veterans Day Parade (PDN & Friends parade entry)
Sunday November 9, 2003 Noon to 3:00 PM Support our Troops & Veterans Rally prior to Youth Symphony Concert
Each of the WebPages above have a link to e-mail a confirmation of your interest and desire to volunteer. These are family events and everyone is welcome to pitch in. We'd really appreciate hearing from you directly via each these specific links. This way, we can keep you posted on only those projects you want to participate in.
Veterans in School - How you can help if you're not close enough to participate directly. If you are a veteran, share a story of your own with the children. If you have family serving in the military, tell them why it's important that we all support them. Everyone can thank them for having this special event. Keep in mind that there are elementary school kids.
Help us by passing this message around to other Veteran's groups. I have introduced VetsCoR and FreeperFoxhole to a number of school teachers. These living history lessons go a long way to inspire patriotism in our youth. Lets see if we can rally America and give these youngsters enough to read for may weeks and months ahead. If we can, we'll help spread it to other schools as well.
Click this link to send an email to the students.
5
posted on
10/22/2003 12:02:54 AM PDT
by
SAMWolf
(Beware of quantum ducks: quark, quark.)
To: SAMWolf
I don't post but want you to know I love reading the history.This would be a great resource for teachers.Thank you to all the vets and to those who gave all for my country.
6
posted on
10/22/2003 1:48:40 AM PDT
by
MEG33
To: SAMWolf; snippy_about_it; bentfeather; Darksheare; All
GOOD MORNING TO ALL AT THE FOXHOLE!
A HAPPY HUMP-DAY TO YOU.
I almost didn't get to make it in this morning....ISP is trying to whack out on me again. grrrrr! THANK YOU troops and veterans for your service to the USA!

7
posted on
10/22/2003 2:24:58 AM PDT
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: Matthew Paul; mark502inf; Skylight; The Mayor; Prof Engineer; PsyOp; Samwise; comitatus; ...
.......FALL IN to the FReeper Foxhole!
.......Good Wednesday Morning Everyone!
If you would like added to our ping list let us know.
8
posted on
10/22/2003 3:18:42 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: MEG33; SAMWolf
I don't post but want you to know I love reading the history.This would be a great resource for teachers. Good Morning and welcome Meg33.
Thank you for "falling in" at the Foxhole. We do know that the Foxhole is used by teachers and families providing home schooling so we thank you for the compliment that it is a good resource for education.
I learn something everyday from these threads.
Don't be shy about posting, we don't bite and we do encourage discussion.
;)
9
posted on
10/22/2003 3:38:58 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: snippy_about_it; All
Good morning, Snippy and everyone at the Freeper Foxhole.
Our computer(Dell Dimension 4500S) Froze on us yesterday. Right after I clicked on Disconnect in the internet icon in the system tray. The 13th time it has happened since we got the computer in September 2002. It's working O.K. for right now.
Be sure to update your anti-virus software and ge the very latest critical updates for your computer.
10
posted on
10/22/2003 3:40:12 AM PDT
by
E.G.C.
To: radu
Good morning radu.
11
posted on
10/22/2003 3:43:06 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: E.G.C.
Good morning and thanks for the reminder.
Hope you enjoyed your 90 degree weather, we dropped down to the 40's again but that's Ohio. If you don't like the weather here, wait 10 minutes, it'll change. LOL.
12
posted on
10/22/2003 3:45:58 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: snippy_about_it
I can relax and read here and enjoy the reading.Believe me, I'm not shy about posting.....;)I just thought it was time to say thank you.
13
posted on
10/22/2003 3:49:25 AM PDT
by
MEG33
To: snippy_about_it

Through prayer, finite man draws upon the power of the infinite God.
14
posted on
10/22/2003 4:21:53 AM PDT
by
The Mayor
(We honor God when we honor one another.)
To: The Mayor
Hi,Mayor,I believe I'll have that first cup here,thanks.
15
posted on
10/22/2003 4:38:14 AM PDT
by
MEG33
To: The Mayor
Good morning Mayor. That coffee looks particularly good today, thanks.
16
posted on
10/22/2003 4:42:31 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: MEG33
, I'm not shy about posting... LOL. Well good, and you are quite welcome. SAM and I enjoy bringing the Foxhole to everyone, our readers and readers who post are very important to us.
17
posted on
10/22/2003 4:45:03 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: snippy_about_it
Present!
18
posted on
10/22/2003 5:03:15 AM PDT
by
manna
To: SAMWolf
Good read today SAM, thank you.
I'll look for the replica of his plane next time I'm at O'Hare airport.
It's good that such a fine young man could come out of the life his father led and do something good for his country.
It's too bad he had to give the ultimate sacrifice. I'm going to have to read up on this and find out what his mother was doing during all this, she must have been the "good" influence for him, or as often happens, his father was the inspiration to do good in defiance of his father's way of life.
Interesting story but now I have to find out more. :)
19
posted on
10/22/2003 5:14:17 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
To: manna
Good morning manna.
20
posted on
10/22/2003 5:15:15 AM PDT
by
snippy_about_it
(Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
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