Robert K. Huntington

Who was Robert K. Huntington?

Robert Kingsbury Huntington, was a naval aircrewman and member of Torpedo Squadron 8. 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 and was rated aviation radioman third class before being transferred to Torpedo Squadron 8 on board Hornet. 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.