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Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame
Declaration of Enshrinement
November 6, 2010
Bruce A. Van Voorhis
During World War II, and on the morning of July 6, 1943, Commander Bruce Avery Van Voorhis of Fallon, Nevada volunteered for a reconnaissance mission off the Japanese held island of Kapingamarangi in support of the Battle of the Solomon Islands that had begun the previous day. His bomber came under Japanese antiaircraft fire over the lagoon. Van Voorhis and his crew shot down one fighter plane, made six low-level bombing runs against the radio station, and completed multiple strafing runs against three seaplanes and ships in the lagoon. On the last run, Van Voorhis deliberately came in low to ensure the bomb drop taking out the target. A Navy report at the time indicated that the plane became caught in its bomb blast, causing the aircraft to crash into the lagoon, killing everyone on board.
The Navy awarded Van Voorhis the Medal of Honor as a result of his bravery, his copilot the Navy Cross, and the crew the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Navy also posthumously promoted Van Voorhis to the rank of commander. Commander Bruce Avery Van Voorhis of Fallon, Nevada earned his place in the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame for his gallantly giving his life in defense of his country.