Name Robert Huntington | Launched December 5, 1944 Builder Vigor Shipyards | |
Role Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer | ||
Construction started February 29, 1944 | ||
Robert Kingsbury Huntington (13 March 1921 – 5 June 1942), was a naval aircrewman and member of Torpedo Squadron 8 (or VT-8). He was radioman/gunner to Ensign George Gay's TBD Devastator aircraft. Along with his entire squadron, Huntington was shot down during the Battle of Midway, on 4–5 June 1942.
Born in Los Angeles, California, enlisted in the United States Navy 21 April 1941. He served on board Lexington (CV-2) and was rated aviation radioman third class before being transferred to Torpedo Squadron 8 on board Hornet (CV-8). He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement as rear gunner in a torpedo plane during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway 4 June 1942. Flying without fighter support and with insufficient fuel to return to their carrier, Huntington and his fellow crewmember pressed home their attack with utter disregard for their own personal safety, in the face of a tremendous antiaircraft barrage and overwhelming fighter opposition. Huntington was one of 29 from Torpedo Squadron 8 who gave their lives in this attack.
Namesake
The USS Robert K. Huntington (DD-781), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named in his honor. Robert K. Huntington attended The Lakeside School in Seattle Washington in 1940 after transferring from Pasadena College. Lakeside is the same prep school attended by Bill Gates ('73) and Paul Allen ('71).