Frederick Forest Ackerman
BIRTH: 16 Jun 1921 Washington, USA DEATH: 15 Sep 1945 Georgia, USA
BURIAL: Clear Lake Cemetery Clear Lake, Skagit County, Washington, USA
He was assigned to VF-80 nicknamed "Vorse's Vipers"
SILVER STAR
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING WORLD WAR II
GENERAL ORDERS:Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 25348(December 9, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Fred Forrest Ackerman (NSN: 0-351948), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight while serving with Bombing-Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VBF-80), in action against enemy air power in the Tokyo area on 16 February 1945. Ensign Ackerman was wingman in a division of planes in a fighter sweep and in the face of enemy numerical superiority, he personally destroyed four and probably destroyed one enemy aircraft in the air. All of these aircraft were threatening his division leader's safety and it was only through his skillful airmanship and personal courage that he was able to bring about their timely destruction. His determination, skill and integrity were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service
Squadron Highlights
Lt. J.W. Fair, USN was the first VF-80 pilot to destroy an enemy aircraft in the air.
Japanese heavy cruiser NACHI sunk by planes of air group 80.
Japanese Kumano class cruiser sunk by planes of air group 80
Ens. Joseph Meotti awarded Navy Cross for Heroism
