Bruce Avery Van Voorhis ★ World War II Gold Star Veteran from Nevada
On July 6, 1943 Commander Van Voorhis was declared a casualty of World War II. ★ He served with honor in the United States Navy. ★ He is remembered by the people of Nevada. ★ May his positive example inspire us. Working together towards peace, mutual respect, and equality for all.
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Click to Submit Update Request for this Fallen Service Member▼ Content Integrity Note
Our displayed data concerning the life and military history of Bruce Avery Van Voorhis is a work in progress. We've assembled a list of elements we are in the process of researching and reviewing. This profile was last edited on 2016-12-15 20:11:03.
Missing : Core Data
· Service number· Date of tour or service
Missing : Supplemental Data
· Educational background· Marriage history
· Parents, family history
· Expanded references and citations
Service Details
| This Profile ID | 323355 |
| Name | Bruce Avery Van Voorhis |
| From | Fallon, Churchill County, Nevada |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1908 |
| Casualty Date | July 6, 1943 |
| War | World War II |
| Service Branch | Navy |
| Rank | Commander |
| Specialty | Pilot |
| Unit/Group | Bombing Squadron 102 |
| Casualty Type | Killed in action |
| Location | Solomon Islands |
| Burial | Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis County, Missouri |
| Notable Awards |
★ Medal of Honor
★ Purple Heart |
| Remembered | 
Bruce Avery Van Voorhis is buried or memorialized at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis County, Missouri. This is a National American Cemetery administered through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. |
Additional Details
Van Voorhis was born in Aberdeen, Washington and grew up in Fallon, Nevada. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in June 1925.In December 1942, Van Voorhis, a Lieutenant Commander since July, assumed command of VP-14, but soon thereafter took command of VB-102. While serving in that capacity, LCDR Van Voorhis was killed near Hare Island of the Kapingamarangi Atoll, the southernmost of the Eastern Caroline Islands. After a 700-mile flight alone, LCDR Van Voorhis launched successive bombing and strafing attacks on the enemy ground installations. During his attack, he succeeded in destroying a radio station, anti-aircraft emplacements, and at least one airborne fighter as well as three others on the water. However, the strength of Japanese aerial opposition eventually forced Van Voorhis lower and lower until the anti-aircraft barrage, the fighters, or perhaps his own bomb blasts, caused the aircraft to crash. He was posthumously promoted to Commander and awarded the Medal of Honor. His copilot received the Navy Cross, and the crew was awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses. |
Commendations + Awards
Please note this might not be a complete or completely accurate accounting. For some awards we use probability factors based on known service details. Thanks for your understanding.
★ Medal of Honor
★ World War II Victory Medal
★ Purple Heart
★ Combat Action Ribbon
★ United States Aviator Badge Navy
★ American Campaign Medal
★ Navy Presidential Unit Citation
★ Navy Good Conduct Medal
★ Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
★ Navy Expeditionary Medal
Nevada Gold Star Veterans Gallery
Honoring the men and women of Nevada who gave their all for their country. May their example of courage and sacrifice be our guide. To be strong and responsible in our lives as citizens of the world. Through honest daily actions, we honor them.
▼ Nevada was home to over 653 American Gold Star veterans from 4 wars of the 20th Century. Some significant statistics:
• 75 World War I
• 395 World War II
• 35 Korean War
• 148 Vietnam War
• 16 Prisoners of war
• 102 Missing in action
• 4 Pearl Harbor casualties
• 5 D-Day Normandy casualties
• 1 Medal of Honor recipients
• 395 World War II
• 35 Korean War
• 148 Vietnam War
• 16 Prisoners of war
• 102 Missing in action
• 4 Pearl Harbor casualties
• 5 D-Day Normandy casualties
• 1 Medal of Honor recipients
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