Jay William was the eldest of ten children of James Chatin Jenkins and Amy Cordelia Asher who married 22 Aug 1919 in Stone County, MO. His siblings were (eight brothers and one sister); Edgar Thomas, Winifred Chloe, Joseph Nolan, James Adam, Wesley Elsworth., Franklin Delano, Lorn N. (d.y.), Lloyd Ronald and Myron Richard Jenkins. The family moved to Longmont, CO shortly before 1930 from Missouri and removed to Erie, CO shortly before 1939. Jay's father worked as a laborer at odd jobs and later worked as a loader at a coal mine. Jay finished the 11th grade in high school but the economic pressures of the Great Depression proved too great, so to help provide for a family of twelve, he went to work as a school bus driver until July 1940 when he applied for enlistment in the US Navy. Jay completed the enlistment process at the local Navy Recruiting Office and was accepted for enlistment in early August, 1940.
Jay William Jenkins enlisted with his parent's consent in the US Navy (NSN: 372-17-00) on 12 Aug 1940 in Denver, CO as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.). A.S. Jenkins completed the 9 weeks of recruit training at the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego and transferred on 25 Oct 1940 to the Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego to begin the 20-week Communication Class "A" Service School. The school found him best suited to become a radioman. On 12 Dec 1940, while still in school, he advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2/c). Several months later on 28 Feb 1941, S2/c Jenkins completed the Service School course, and he was transferred from NAS San Diego to the Commander, Enterprise Air Group for assignment as a radioman striker. He was assigned to Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) attached to the USS Enterprise. About May 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1/c). S1c Jenkins reported for temporary duty at the air gunnery school at NAS, Pearl Harbor on 09 June 1941. He completed that training and returned to his squadron on 18 June 1941. Later that year he advanced in rate to Radioman Third Class (RM3).
During 1941 Enterprise made 13 round trips between Hawaii and San Diego from April - Nov conducting exercise cycles and squadron work-ups. During those months she also shuttled Army Air Force P-39s and P-40s, as well as, Navy aircraft from US West Coast ports to Pearl Harbor and beyond. On 28 Nov 1941, Enterprise, now operating in a war-time steaming condition, left San Diego with a cargo of Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211) aircraft and pilots destined for Wake Island. The Marine pilots and their planes flew from Enterprise to Wake Island on 02 Dec 1941. Enterprise was scheduled to arrive back in Pearl Harbor on 06 Dec, but was delayed due to inclement weather.
In the early pre-dawn hours of 07 Dec 1941, Enterprise was 200 miles west of Oahu heading for a late afternoon docking at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Halsey planned to send 18 SBD dive bombers to search 150 miles ahead of the task force as a normal precaution. Instead of returning to Enterprise, the search flight was to continue directly to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pearl Harbor on Ford Island. The rest of the air group would follow that afternoon before she entered port. Leading the mission was Lcdr Howard L. Young, Commander Enterprise Air Group in his own SBD, Thirteen dive bombers from Lcdr Halstead L. Hopping's Scouting Six and four from Lcdr William R. Hollingsworth's Bombing Six. Launching began at 0618. At 0755, 183 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes swarmed over the unsuspecting US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and surrounding airfields. When the Enterprise dive bombing group arrived over Pearl Harbor they were attacked by Japanese aircraft and shot at by friendly AA fire. These pilots and aircrewman were among the first Navy aviators to come under fire during the Pacific war. Among the group seven SBDs were shot down, either from enemy action or friendly fire, Eight airmen were killed and two wounded.
After the debacle at Pearl Harbor, Enterprise was sent on a belated attempt to relieve Wake Island. On 09 January 1942, Admiral Nimitz directed Admiral Halsey to raid the southern Marshall and northern Gilbert area employing air attack and ship bombardment. On 01 Feb 1942, Enterprise with TF 8 raided Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap in the Marshall Islands marking the first offensive action by US forces in the Pacific.
On 24 Feb 1942, Enterprise attacked Wake Island. RM3 Jay W. Jenkins was added to the Tactical Organization. Ltjg Edward Lee Anderson flying Dauntless dive bomber 6-B-11 with RM3 Jay Jenkins as his rear-seat gunner/radioman was assigned to the second of three divisions each with six planes. Flying in SBD 6-B-10 was division leader Lt. Richard Halsey Best. Flight quarters sounded at 0430 on 24 Feb. Shortly after 0600, the first Combat Air Patrol (CAP) Wildcat fighters began launching. Next in line were eighteen SBDs of Scouting Six followed by another eighteen from VB-6, and then Lcdr Brigham Young's (Commander, Enterprise Air Group (CEAG)) bomber. Each Dauntless was loaded with a five-hundred pound bomb and two wing bombs. At 0647, the last of the TBDs of Torpedo six lifted off. Lcdr Young led a fifty-one plane strike package toward Wake Island. At 0750, the attacks began. By 0945, the strike package from Enterprise began landing back on the ship. That evening, Admiral Halsey received an urgent message from Admiral Nimitz saying that it was desirable, if feasible, to strike Marcus Island.
Halsey, never one to stray from a fight, intended to launch a strike package against the Japanese base from 175 miles away on the morning of 04 March. At 0435, the word was passed for pilots to man their planes. It was still moon bright as the aviators sprinted to their planes. Lcdr Brigham Young was first off the deck at 0446 in his command SBD followed by the rest of the strike package including the fourteen SBD dive-bombers from Scouting Six. They were followed by seventeen SBDs from Bombing Six including Ltjg Anderson and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in SBD 6-B-15. They were followed by six Wildcat fighters. By 0525, thirty-eight planes departed for Marcus Island. At 0630, Marcus was spotted through a break in the clouds. VB-6's primary targets were aircraft on the field. Secondary objectives were any installations sighted. VB-6 pushed over into their dives commencing at 0640 releasing their bomb loads from three thousand to two thousand feet. Anti-aircraft fire was intense. Bombing Six escaped without damage to any of its planes. The strike package began returning to Enterprise at 0845. The Dauntless crews flew almost constant missions during the following days as the task force headed for Hawaii. Enterprise entered Pearl Harbor on 10 March.
Underway on 30 April, Enterprise and USS Hornet received their squadrons from bases on Hawaii. It was to be a badly needed training cruise, however, several days later Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. Enterprise was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. She got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with USS Hornet (CV-8), steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning on 4 Jun 1942 aircraft of the USS Enterprise's air group six launched a strike package to attack the Japanese carrier striking force that was approaching the Midway atoll. After a long, fruitless search for the enemy fleet, the warplanes of VS-6 and VB-6 (including Ens. Delbert Wayne Halsey in 6-B-6 with his rear-seat gunner/radioman RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in the First Division led by Lt Dick Best in 6-B-1.) that had become separated from the fighters and torpedo planes of Air Group Six were nearing the limits of their fuel. Lcdr McClusky, Commander Enterprise Air Group (CEAG), leading the formation, decided to make a starboard turn in a methodical box search toward the northwest in a last desperate bit to find the Japanese carrier force. Another five minutes and McClusky would have to turn to the northeast and home. Fortune smiled several minutes later at 0955. McClusky sighted a Japanese warship steaming at high speed in a direction almost perpendicular to McClusky's course. He decided to follow the ship -- a decision that had historical consequences! At 1002, McClusky and others detected the white wakes of the Japanese Carrier Striking force.
Lined up for the attack VB-6 aircraft pushed over into their dive. What was noticeably absent were Japanese fighters. Now half way through their dive, VB-6 began to see bursts of anti-aircraft fire from below. In their sights was Kaga. A number of near-misses and a number of direct hits on Kaga turned her into an inferno from stem to stern. Lt Best in 6-B-1 and several planes of his First Division (Ltjg Edwin J. Kroeger in 6-B-2 and Ens. Frederick T. Weber in 6-B-3) changed their target and set their sights on Akagi. They dove nearly straight down. Best made a direct hit while his two partners had near misses. One of the near-misses with a thousand pound bomb disable Akagi's rudder. Best's thousand pounder was the only hit on Akagi -- the results were fatal however. After pull out, VB-6 beat a hasty retreat threading their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire.
Of the fifteen dive bombers from VB-6 that took off from the Enterprise that morning only eight survived the attack. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and fuel exhaustion took the biggest toll on this squadron after their initial attacks. Pilot Ens Delbert Wayne Halsey and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Jay William Jenkins, were last seen making a picture perfect powerless water landing then climbing into their rubber raft. They were never seen again. Halsey and Jenkins were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Delbert's parents received a telegraph from the Navy Department on 18 June 1942 informing them that Ensign Halsey was missing in the service to his country (It did not say he was missing in action.). Halsey's remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Petty Officer Jenkins was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (The award was issued prior to his being declared presumed death so it wasn't awarded posthumously.), Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars (Marcus Island raid, Wake Island raid and Midway. Flew in combat in all three battles.) and the World War II Victory Medal.
---------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Jay William Jenkins, Radioman Third Class, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner of a Navy Plane in a Bombing Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1944. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by skillful and timely fire of his free machine-guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)
-------------------------
USS Enterprise (CV-6) Presidential Unit Citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
----------------------
His family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Ray William Jenkins, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
--------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
---------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Sources: (Partial List)
1) Muster and Change Reports on Ancestry.com and Fold3
2 Cressman, Robert J. et al, A Glorious Page In Our History: The Battle of Midway 4-6 June 1942. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Missoula, Montana. 1990
3)Moore, Stephen L. Pacific Payback. NAL Caliber, a division of Penguin Group, LLC. 2014
4) Newspaper articles
5) Wiki pages of USS Enterprise
------------------------------
[Bio #205 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94991
Jay William Jenkins enlisted with his parent's consent in the US Navy (NSN: 372-17-00) on 12 Aug 1940 in Denver, CO as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.). A.S. Jenkins completed the 9 weeks of recruit training at the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego and transferred on 25 Oct 1940 to the Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego to begin the 20-week Communication Class "A" Service School. The school found him best suited to become a radioman. On 12 Dec 1940, while still in school, he advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2/c). Several months later on 28 Feb 1941, S2/c Jenkins completed the Service School course, and he was transferred from NAS San Diego to the Commander, Enterprise Air Group for assignment as a radioman striker. He was assigned to Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) attached to the USS Enterprise. About May 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1/c). S1c Jenkins reported for temporary duty at the air gunnery school at NAS, Pearl Harbor on 09 June 1941. He completed that training and returned to his squadron on 18 June 1941. Later that year he advanced in rate to Radioman Third Class (RM3).
During 1941 Enterprise made 13 round trips between Hawaii and San Diego from April - Nov conducting exercise cycles and squadron work-ups. During those months she also shuttled Army Air Force P-39s and P-40s, as well as, Navy aircraft from US West Coast ports to Pearl Harbor and beyond. On 28 Nov 1941, Enterprise, now operating in a war-time steaming condition, left San Diego with a cargo of Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211) aircraft and pilots destined for Wake Island. The Marine pilots and their planes flew from Enterprise to Wake Island on 02 Dec 1941. Enterprise was scheduled to arrive back in Pearl Harbor on 06 Dec, but was delayed due to inclement weather.
In the early pre-dawn hours of 07 Dec 1941, Enterprise was 200 miles west of Oahu heading for a late afternoon docking at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Halsey planned to send 18 SBD dive bombers to search 150 miles ahead of the task force as a normal precaution. Instead of returning to Enterprise, the search flight was to continue directly to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pearl Harbor on Ford Island. The rest of the air group would follow that afternoon before she entered port. Leading the mission was Lcdr Howard L. Young, Commander Enterprise Air Group in his own SBD, Thirteen dive bombers from Lcdr Halstead L. Hopping's Scouting Six and four from Lcdr William R. Hollingsworth's Bombing Six. Launching began at 0618. At 0755, 183 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes swarmed over the unsuspecting US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and surrounding airfields. When the Enterprise dive bombing group arrived over Pearl Harbor they were attacked by Japanese aircraft and shot at by friendly AA fire. These pilots and aircrewman were among the first Navy aviators to come under fire during the Pacific war. Among the group seven SBDs were shot down, either from enemy action or friendly fire, Eight airmen were killed and two wounded.
After the debacle at Pearl Harbor, Enterprise was sent on a belated attempt to relieve Wake Island. On 09 January 1942, Admiral Nimitz directed Admiral Halsey to raid the southern Marshall and northern Gilbert area employing air attack and ship bombardment. On 01 Feb 1942, Enterprise with TF 8 raided Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap in the Marshall Islands marking the first offensive action by US forces in the Pacific.
On 24 Feb 1942, Enterprise attacked Wake Island. RM3 Jay W. Jenkins was added to the Tactical Organization. Ltjg Edward Lee Anderson flying Dauntless dive bomber 6-B-11 with RM3 Jay Jenkins as his rear-seat gunner/radioman was assigned to the second of three divisions each with six planes. Flying in SBD 6-B-10 was division leader Lt. Richard Halsey Best. Flight quarters sounded at 0430 on 24 Feb. Shortly after 0600, the first Combat Air Patrol (CAP) Wildcat fighters began launching. Next in line were eighteen SBDs of Scouting Six followed by another eighteen from VB-6, and then Lcdr Brigham Young's (Commander, Enterprise Air Group (CEAG)) bomber. Each Dauntless was loaded with a five-hundred pound bomb and two wing bombs. At 0647, the last of the TBDs of Torpedo six lifted off. Lcdr Young led a fifty-one plane strike package toward Wake Island. At 0750, the attacks began. By 0945, the strike package from Enterprise began landing back on the ship. That evening, Admiral Halsey received an urgent message from Admiral Nimitz saying that it was desirable, if feasible, to strike Marcus Island.
Halsey, never one to stray from a fight, intended to launch a strike package against the Japanese base from 175 miles away on the morning of 04 March. At 0435, the word was passed for pilots to man their planes. It was still moon bright as the aviators sprinted to their planes. Lcdr Brigham Young was first off the deck at 0446 in his command SBD followed by the rest of the strike package including the fourteen SBD dive-bombers from Scouting Six. They were followed by seventeen SBDs from Bombing Six including Ltjg Anderson and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in SBD 6-B-15. They were followed by six Wildcat fighters. By 0525, thirty-eight planes departed for Marcus Island. At 0630, Marcus was spotted through a break in the clouds. VB-6's primary targets were aircraft on the field. Secondary objectives were any installations sighted. VB-6 pushed over into their dives commencing at 0640 releasing their bomb loads from three thousand to two thousand feet. Anti-aircraft fire was intense. Bombing Six escaped without damage to any of its planes. The strike package began returning to Enterprise at 0845. The Dauntless crews flew almost constant missions during the following days as the task force headed for Hawaii. Enterprise entered Pearl Harbor on 10 March.
Underway on 30 April, Enterprise and USS Hornet received their squadrons from bases on Hawaii. It was to be a badly needed training cruise, however, several days later Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. Enterprise was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. She got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with USS Hornet (CV-8), steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning on 4 Jun 1942 aircraft of the USS Enterprise's air group six launched a strike package to attack the Japanese carrier striking force that was approaching the Midway atoll. After a long, fruitless search for the enemy fleet, the warplanes of VS-6 and VB-6 (including Ens. Delbert Wayne Halsey in 6-B-6 with his rear-seat gunner/radioman RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in the First Division led by Lt Dick Best in 6-B-1.) that had become separated from the fighters and torpedo planes of Air Group Six were nearing the limits of their fuel. Lcdr McClusky, Commander Enterprise Air Group (CEAG), leading the formation, decided to make a starboard turn in a methodical box search toward the northwest in a last desperate bit to find the Japanese carrier force. Another five minutes and McClusky would have to turn to the northeast and home. Fortune smiled several minutes later at 0955. McClusky sighted a Japanese warship steaming at high speed in a direction almost perpendicular to McClusky's course. He decided to follow the ship -- a decision that had historical consequences! At 1002, McClusky and others detected the white wakes of the Japanese Carrier Striking force.
Lined up for the attack VB-6 aircraft pushed over into their dive. What was noticeably absent were Japanese fighters. Now half way through their dive, VB-6 began to see bursts of anti-aircraft fire from below. In their sights was Kaga. A number of near-misses and a number of direct hits on Kaga turned her into an inferno from stem to stern. Lt Best in 6-B-1 and several planes of his First Division (Ltjg Edwin J. Kroeger in 6-B-2 and Ens. Frederick T. Weber in 6-B-3) changed their target and set their sights on Akagi. They dove nearly straight down. Best made a direct hit while his two partners had near misses. One of the near-misses with a thousand pound bomb disable Akagi's rudder. Best's thousand pounder was the only hit on Akagi -- the results were fatal however. After pull out, VB-6 beat a hasty retreat threading their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire.
Of the fifteen dive bombers from VB-6 that took off from the Enterprise that morning only eight survived the attack. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and fuel exhaustion took the biggest toll on this squadron after their initial attacks. Pilot Ens Delbert Wayne Halsey and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Jay William Jenkins, were last seen making a picture perfect powerless water landing then climbing into their rubber raft. They were never seen again. Halsey and Jenkins were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Delbert's parents received a telegraph from the Navy Department on 18 June 1942 informing them that Ensign Halsey was missing in the service to his country (It did not say he was missing in action.). Halsey's remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Petty Officer Jenkins was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (The award was issued prior to his being declared presumed death so it wasn't awarded posthumously.), Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars (Marcus Island raid, Wake Island raid and Midway. Flew in combat in all three battles.) and the World War II Victory Medal.
---------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Jay William Jenkins, Radioman Third Class, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner of a Navy Plane in a Bombing Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1944. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by skillful and timely fire of his free machine-guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)
-------------------------
USS Enterprise (CV-6) Presidential Unit Citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
----------------------
His family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Ray William Jenkins, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
--------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
---------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Sources: (Partial List)
1) Muster and Change Reports on Ancestry.com and Fold3
2 Cressman, Robert J. et al, A Glorious Page In Our History: The Battle of Midway 4-6 June 1942. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Missoula, Montana. 1990
3)Moore, Stephen L. Pacific Payback. NAL Caliber, a division of Penguin Group, LLC. 2014
4) Newspaper articles
5) Wiki pages of USS Enterprise
------------------------------
[Bio #205 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94991
Jay William was the eldest of ten children of James Chatin Jenkins and Amy Cordelia Asher who married 22 Aug 1919 in Stone County, MO. His siblings were (eight brothers and one sister); Edgar Thomas, Winifred Chloe, Joseph Nolan, James Adam, Wesley Elsworth., Franklin Delano, Lorn N. (d.y.), Lloyd Ronald and Myron Richard Jenkins. The family moved to Longmont, CO shortly before 1930 from Missouri and removed to Erie, CO shortly before 1939. Jay's father worked as a laborer at odd jobs and later worked as a loader at a coal mine. Jay finished the 11th grade in high school but the economic pressures of the Great Depression proved too great, so to help provide for a family of twelve, he went to work as a school bus driver until July 1940 when he applied for enlistment in the US Navy. Jay completed the enlistment process at the local Navy Recruiting Office and was accepted for enlistment in early August, 1940.
Jay William Jenkins enlisted with his parent's consent in the US Navy (NSN: 372-17-00) on 12 Aug 1940 in Denver, CO as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.). A.S. Jenkins completed the 9 weeks of recruit training at the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego and transferred on 25 Oct 1940 to the Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego to begin the 20-week Communication Class "A" Service School. The school found him best suited to become a radioman. On 12 Dec 1940, while still in school, he advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2/c). Several months later on 28 Feb 1941, S2/c Jenkins completed the Service School course, and he was transferred from NAS San Diego to the Commander, Enterprise Air Group for assignment as a radioman striker. He was assigned to Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) attached to the USS Enterprise. About May 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1/c). S1c Jenkins reported for temporary duty at the air gunnery school at NAS, Pearl Harbor on 09 June 1941. He completed that training and returned to his squadron on 18 June 1941. Later that year he advanced in rate to Radioman Third Class (RM3).
During 1941 Enterprise made 13 round trips between Hawaii and San Diego from April - Nov conducting exercise cycles and squadron work-ups. During those months she also shuttled Army Air Force P-39s and P-40s, as well as, Navy aircraft from US West Coast ports to Pearl Harbor and beyond. On 28 Nov 1941, Enterprise, now operating in a war-time steaming condition, left San Diego with a cargo of Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211) aircraft and pilots destined for Wake Island. The Marine pilots and their planes flew from Enterprise to Wake Island on 02 Dec 1941. Enterprise was scheduled to arrive back in Pearl Harbor on 06 Dec, but was delayed due to inclement weather.
In the early pre-dawn hours of 07 Dec 1941, Enterprise was 200 miles west of Oahu heading for a late afternoon docking at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Halsey planned to send 18 SBD dive bombers to search 150 miles ahead of the task force as a normal precaution. Instead of returning to Enterprise, the search flight was to continue directly to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pearl Harbor on Ford Island. The rest of the air group would follow that afternoon before she entered port. Leading the mission was Lcdr Howard L. Young, Commander Enterprise Air Group in his own SBD, Thirteen dive bombers from Lcdr Halstead L. Hopping's Scouting Six and four from Lcdr William R. Hollingsworth's Bombing Six. Launching began at 0618. At 0755, 183 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes swarmed over the unsuspecting US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and surrounding airfields. When the Enterprise dive bombing group arrived over Pearl Harbor they were attacked by Japanese aircraft and shot at by friendly AA fire. These pilots and aircrewman were among the first Navy aviators to come under fire during the Pacific war. Among the group seven SBDs were shot down, either from enemy action or friendly fire, Eight airmen were killed and two wounded.
After the debacle at Pearl Harbor, Enterprise was sent on a belated attempt to relieve Wake Island. On 09 January 1942, Admiral Nimitz directed Admiral Halsey to raid the southern Marshall and northern Gilbert area employing air attack and ship bombardment. On 01 Feb 1942, Enterprise with TF 8 raided Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap in the Marshall Islands marking the first offensive action by US forces in the Pacific.
On 24 Feb 1942, Enterprise attacked Wake Island. RM3 Jay W. Jenkins was added to the Tactical Organization. Ltjg Edward Lee Anderson flying Dauntless dive bomber 6-B-11 with RM3 Jay Jenkins as his rear-seat gunner/radioman was assigned to the second of three divisions each with six planes. Flying in SBD 6-B-10 was division leader Lt. Richard Halsey Best. Flight quarters sounded at 0430 on 24 Feb. Shortly after 0600, the first Combat Air Patrol (CAP) Wildcat fighters began launching. Next in line were eighteen SBDs of Scouting Six followed by another eighteen from VB-6, and then Lcdr Brigham Young's (Commander, Enterprise Air Group (CEAG)) bomber. Each Dauntless was loaded with a five-hundred pound bomb and two wing bombs. At 0647, the last of the TBDs of Torpedo six lifted off. Lcdr Young led a fifty-one plane strike package toward Wake Island. At 0750, the attacks began. By 0945, the strike package from Enterprise began landing back on the ship. That evening, Admiral Halsey received an urgent message from Admiral Nimitz saying that it was desirable, if feasible, to strike Marcus Island.
Halsey, never one to stray from a fight, intended to launch a strike package against the Japanese base from 175 miles away on the morning of 04 March. At 0435, the word was passed for pilots to man their planes. It was still moon bright as the aviators sprinted to their planes. Lcdr Brigham Young was first off the deck at 0446 in his command SBD followed by the rest of the strike package including the fourteen SBD dive-bombers from Scouting Six. They were followed by seventeen SBDs from Bombing Six including Ltjg Anderson and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in SBD 6-B-15. They were followed by six Wildcat fighters. By 0525, thirty-eight planes departed for Marcus Island. At 0630, Marcus was spotted through a break in the clouds. VB-6's primary targets were aircraft on the field. Secondary objectives were any installations sighted. VB-6 pushed over into their dives commencing at 0640 releasing their bomb loads from three thousand to two thousand feet. Anti-aircraft fire was intense. Bombing Six escaped without damage to any of its planes. The strike package began returning to Enterprise at 0845. The Dauntless crews flew almost constant missions during the following days as the task force headed for Hawaii. Enterprise entered Pearl Harbor on 10 March.
Underway on 30 April, Enterprise and USS Hornet received their squadrons from bases on Hawaii. It was to be a badly needed training cruise, however, several days later Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. Enterprise was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. She got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with USS Hornet (CV-8), steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning on 4 Jun 1942 aircraft of the USS Enterprise's air group six launched a strike package to attack the Japanese carrier striking force that was approaching the Midway atoll. After a long, fruitless search for the enemy fleet, the warplanes of VS-6 and VB-6 (including Ens. Delbert Wayne Halsey in 6-B-6 with his rear-seat gunner/radioman RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in the First Division led by Lt Dick Best in 6-B-1.) that had become separated from the fighters and torpedo planes of Air Group Six were nearing the limits of their fuel. Lcdr McClusky, Commander Enterprise Air Group (CEAG), leading the formation, decided to make a starboard turn in a methodical box search toward the northwest in a last desperate bit to find the Japanese carrier force. Another five minutes and McClusky would have to turn to the northeast and home. Fortune smiled several minutes later at 0955. McClusky sighted a Japanese warship steaming at high speed in a direction almost perpendicular to McClusky's course. He decided to follow the ship -- a decision that had historical consequences! At 1002, McClusky and others detected the white wakes of the Japanese Carrier Striking force.
Lined up for the attack VB-6 aircraft pushed over into their dive. What was noticeably absent were Japanese fighters. Now half way through their dive, VB-6 began to see bursts of anti-aircraft fire from below. In their sights was Kaga. A number of near-misses and a number of direct hits on Kaga turned her into an inferno from stem to stern. Lt Best in 6-B-1 and several planes of his First Division (Ltjg Edwin J. Kroeger in 6-B-2 and Ens. Frederick T. Weber in 6-B-3) changed their target and set their sights on Akagi. They dove nearly straight down. Best made a direct hit while his two partners had near misses. One of the near-misses with a thousand pound bomb disable Akagi's rudder. Best's thousand pounder was the only hit on Akagi -- the results were fatal however. After pull out, VB-6 beat a hasty retreat threading their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire.
Of the fifteen dive bombers from VB-6 that took off from the Enterprise that morning only eight survived the attack. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and fuel exhaustion took the biggest toll on this squadron after their initial attacks. Pilot Ens Delbert Wayne Halsey and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Jay William Jenkins, were last seen making a picture perfect powerless water landing then climbing into their rubber raft. They were never seen again. Halsey and Jenkins were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Delbert's parents received a telegraph from the Navy Department on 18 June 1942 informing them that Ensign Halsey was missing in the service to his country (It did not say he was missing in action.). Halsey's remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Petty Officer Jenkins was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (The award was issued prior to his being declared presumed death so it wasn't awarded posthumously.), Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars (Marcus Island raid, Wake Island raid and Midway. Flew in combat in all three battles.) and the World War II Victory Medal.
---------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Jay William Jenkins, Radioman Third Class, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner of a Navy Plane in a Bombing Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1944. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by skillful and timely fire of his free machine-guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)
-------------------------
USS Enterprise (CV-6) Presidential Unit Citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
----------------------
His family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Ray William Jenkins, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
--------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
---------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Sources: (Partial List)
1) Muster and Change Reports on Ancestry.com and Fold3
2 Cressman, Robert J. et al, A Glorious Page In Our History: The Battle of Midway 4-6 June 1942. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Missoula, Montana. 1990
3)Moore, Stephen L. Pacific Payback. NAL Caliber, a division of Penguin Group, LLC. 2014
4) Newspaper articles
5) Wiki pages of USS Enterprise
------------------------------
[Bio #205 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94991
Jay William Jenkins enlisted with his parent's consent in the US Navy (NSN: 372-17-00) on 12 Aug 1940 in Denver, CO as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.). A.S. Jenkins completed the 9 weeks of recruit training at the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego and transferred on 25 Oct 1940 to the Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego to begin the 20-week Communication Class "A" Service School. The school found him best suited to become a radioman. On 12 Dec 1940, while still in school, he advanced in rate to Seaman 2/c (S2/c). Several months later on 28 Feb 1941, S2/c Jenkins completed the Service School course, and he was transferred from NAS San Diego to the Commander, Enterprise Air Group for assignment as a radioman striker. He was assigned to Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) attached to the USS Enterprise. About May 1941, he was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1/c). S1c Jenkins reported for temporary duty at the air gunnery school at NAS, Pearl Harbor on 09 June 1941. He completed that training and returned to his squadron on 18 June 1941. Later that year he advanced in rate to Radioman Third Class (RM3).
During 1941 Enterprise made 13 round trips between Hawaii and San Diego from April - Nov conducting exercise cycles and squadron work-ups. During those months she also shuttled Army Air Force P-39s and P-40s, as well as, Navy aircraft from US West Coast ports to Pearl Harbor and beyond. On 28 Nov 1941, Enterprise, now operating in a war-time steaming condition, left San Diego with a cargo of Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211) aircraft and pilots destined for Wake Island. The Marine pilots and their planes flew from Enterprise to Wake Island on 02 Dec 1941. Enterprise was scheduled to arrive back in Pearl Harbor on 06 Dec, but was delayed due to inclement weather.
In the early pre-dawn hours of 07 Dec 1941, Enterprise was 200 miles west of Oahu heading for a late afternoon docking at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Halsey planned to send 18 SBD dive bombers to search 150 miles ahead of the task force as a normal precaution. Instead of returning to Enterprise, the search flight was to continue directly to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pearl Harbor on Ford Island. The rest of the air group would follow that afternoon before she entered port. Leading the mission was Lcdr Howard L. Young, Commander Enterprise Air Group in his own SBD, Thirteen dive bombers from Lcdr Halstead L. Hopping's Scouting Six and four from Lcdr William R. Hollingsworth's Bombing Six. Launching began at 0618. At 0755, 183 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes swarmed over the unsuspecting US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and surrounding airfields. When the Enterprise dive bombing group arrived over Pearl Harbor they were attacked by Japanese aircraft and shot at by friendly AA fire. These pilots and aircrewman were among the first Navy aviators to come under fire during the Pacific war. Among the group seven SBDs were shot down, either from enemy action or friendly fire, Eight airmen were killed and two wounded.
After the debacle at Pearl Harbor, Enterprise was sent on a belated attempt to relieve Wake Island. On 09 January 1942, Admiral Nimitz directed Admiral Halsey to raid the southern Marshall and northern Gilbert area employing air attack and ship bombardment. On 01 Feb 1942, Enterprise with TF 8 raided Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap in the Marshall Islands marking the first offensive action by US forces in the Pacific.
On 24 Feb 1942, Enterprise attacked Wake Island. RM3 Jay W. Jenkins was added to the Tactical Organization. Ltjg Edward Lee Anderson flying Dauntless dive bomber 6-B-11 with RM3 Jay Jenkins as his rear-seat gunner/radioman was assigned to the second of three divisions each with six planes. Flying in SBD 6-B-10 was division leader Lt. Richard Halsey Best. Flight quarters sounded at 0430 on 24 Feb. Shortly after 0600, the first Combat Air Patrol (CAP) Wildcat fighters began launching. Next in line were eighteen SBDs of Scouting Six followed by another eighteen from VB-6, and then Lcdr Brigham Young's (Commander, Enterprise Air Group (CEAG)) bomber. Each Dauntless was loaded with a five-hundred pound bomb and two wing bombs. At 0647, the last of the TBDs of Torpedo six lifted off. Lcdr Young led a fifty-one plane strike package toward Wake Island. At 0750, the attacks began. By 0945, the strike package from Enterprise began landing back on the ship. That evening, Admiral Halsey received an urgent message from Admiral Nimitz saying that it was desirable, if feasible, to strike Marcus Island.
Halsey, never one to stray from a fight, intended to launch a strike package against the Japanese base from 175 miles away on the morning of 04 March. At 0435, the word was passed for pilots to man their planes. It was still moon bright as the aviators sprinted to their planes. Lcdr Brigham Young was first off the deck at 0446 in his command SBD followed by the rest of the strike package including the fourteen SBD dive-bombers from Scouting Six. They were followed by seventeen SBDs from Bombing Six including Ltjg Anderson and his rear-seat gunner/radioman, RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in SBD 6-B-15. They were followed by six Wildcat fighters. By 0525, thirty-eight planes departed for Marcus Island. At 0630, Marcus was spotted through a break in the clouds. VB-6's primary targets were aircraft on the field. Secondary objectives were any installations sighted. VB-6 pushed over into their dives commencing at 0640 releasing their bomb loads from three thousand to two thousand feet. Anti-aircraft fire was intense. Bombing Six escaped without damage to any of its planes. The strike package began returning to Enterprise at 0845. The Dauntless crews flew almost constant missions during the following days as the task force headed for Hawaii. Enterprise entered Pearl Harbor on 10 March.
Underway on 30 April, Enterprise and USS Hornet received their squadrons from bases on Hawaii. It was to be a badly needed training cruise, however, several days later Enterprise and Hornet were directed to the South Pacific to assist aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) engaged in the battle of the Coral Sea. The battle was over before they could arrive on-scene. Enterprise was then directed to perform a feint towards Nauru and Banaba (Ocean) islands which caused the Japanese to delay Operation RY to seize the two islands. Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on 26 May and began intensive preparations to meet an expected Japanese thrust at Midway Island. She got underway from Pearl Harbor on 28 May 1942, and with USS Hornet (CV-8), steamed toward a point Northeast of Midway called "Point Luck." USS Yorktown (CV-5) followed a short time later.
Early on the morning on 4 Jun 1942 aircraft of the USS Enterprise's air group six launched a strike package to attack the Japanese carrier striking force that was approaching the Midway atoll. After a long, fruitless search for the enemy fleet, the warplanes of VS-6 and VB-6 (including Ens. Delbert Wayne Halsey in 6-B-6 with his rear-seat gunner/radioman RM3 Jay W. Jenkins in the First Division led by Lt Dick Best in 6-B-1.) that had become separated from the fighters and torpedo planes of Air Group Six were nearing the limits of their fuel. Lcdr McClusky, Commander Enterprise Air Group (CEAG), leading the formation, decided to make a starboard turn in a methodical box search toward the northwest in a last desperate bit to find the Japanese carrier force. Another five minutes and McClusky would have to turn to the northeast and home. Fortune smiled several minutes later at 0955. McClusky sighted a Japanese warship steaming at high speed in a direction almost perpendicular to McClusky's course. He decided to follow the ship -- a decision that had historical consequences! At 1002, McClusky and others detected the white wakes of the Japanese Carrier Striking force.
Lined up for the attack VB-6 aircraft pushed over into their dive. What was noticeably absent were Japanese fighters. Now half way through their dive, VB-6 began to see bursts of anti-aircraft fire from below. In their sights was Kaga. A number of near-misses and a number of direct hits on Kaga turned her into an inferno from stem to stern. Lt Best in 6-B-1 and several planes of his First Division (Ltjg Edwin J. Kroeger in 6-B-2 and Ens. Frederick T. Weber in 6-B-3) changed their target and set their sights on Akagi. They dove nearly straight down. Best made a direct hit while his two partners had near misses. One of the near-misses with a thousand pound bomb disable Akagi's rudder. Best's thousand pounder was the only hit on Akagi -- the results were fatal however. After pull out, VB-6 beat a hasty retreat threading their way through a gauntlet of swarming enemy fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire.
Of the fifteen dive bombers from VB-6 that took off from the Enterprise that morning only eight survived the attack. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and fuel exhaustion took the biggest toll on this squadron after their initial attacks. Pilot Ens Delbert Wayne Halsey and his rear-seat gunner, RM3 Jay William Jenkins, were last seen making a picture perfect powerless water landing then climbing into their rubber raft. They were never seen again. Halsey and Jenkins were listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. Delbert's parents received a telegraph from the Navy Department on 18 June 1942 informing them that Ensign Halsey was missing in the service to his country (It did not say he was missing in action.). Halsey's remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.
Petty Officer Jenkins was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (The award was issued prior to his being declared presumed death so it wasn't awarded posthumously.), Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars (Marcus Island raid, Wake Island raid and Midway. Flew in combat in all three battles.) and the World War II Victory Medal.
---------------------------
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Jay William Jenkins, Radioman Third Class, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner of a Navy Plane in a Bombing Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1944. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by skillful and timely fire of his free machine-guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)
-------------------------
USS Enterprise (CV-6) Presidential Unit Citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Actions of the Enterprise mentioned in the citation include the Gilbert and Marshalls raid of 01 Feb 1942; Wake Island raid, 24 Feb 1942; Marcus Island raid, 04 Mar 1942; Battle of Midway, 4-6 Jun 1942; Occupation of Guadalcanal, 7-8 Aug 1942; Battle of Stewart Islands, 24 Aug 1942; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, 26 Oct 1942; and Battle of Solomon Islands, 14-15 Nov 1942.
----------------------
His family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Ray William Jenkins, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
--------------------
Task Force 16 Citation Recognizing its contribution to the Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.
(Signed) John H.Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
15 May 1995
---------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.
-----------------------
Sources: (Partial List)
1) Muster and Change Reports on Ancestry.com and Fold3
2 Cressman, Robert J. et al, A Glorious Page In Our History: The Battle of Midway 4-6 June 1942. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Missoula, Montana. 1990
3)Moore, Stephen L. Pacific Payback. NAL Caliber, a division of Penguin Group, LLC. 2014
4) Newspaper articles
5) Wiki pages of USS Enterprise
------------------------------
[Bio #205 compiled by Gerry Lawton (GML470/G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#94991
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Colorado.
Family Members
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