Major Joseph Sailer, Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 132 (VMSB-132)
SBD Dauntless pilot earned Navy Cross

Background
Joseph Sailer, Jr. was born August 14, 1907 to parents Joseph Sailer and Mary Lowber Strawbridge Sailer in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Wartime History
Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). On March 1, 1942 became Commanding Officer (C.O.) of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 (VMSB-132) "Crying Red Asses".

During November 10-15, 1942 led six attacks from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal against Japanese ships off Guadalcanal. For his actions, he earned the Navy Cross.

Mission History
On December 7, 1942 at 5:20pm took off piloting SBD-3 Dauntless 06689 from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal with gunner Pfc James W. Alexander leading a flight of six SBDs on a dive bombing mission against Japanese destroyers off New Georgia escorted by F4F Wildcats. Sailer's usual radio operator and rear gunner, Howard Stanley, was not flying with him on this mission. After 6:30pm spotted a group of eleven destroyers in columns of six and five and returned anti-aircraft fire. The Wildcats remained at 11,000' as the SBDs made their dive bombing attacks. Sailer scored a near miss on one destroyer.

After pulling out of his dive, he announced over the radio that his dive breaks would not retract and would attempt to ditch off southern New Georgia. Meanwhile, a F1M2 Pete dove down from above and opened fire from the rear causing his SBD to roll over and crashed into the sea and sank immediately. When this plane failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Awards
Sailer earned the Navy Cross for his actions November 10-15, 1942. He earned the Purple Heart, posthumosuly when he went Missing In Action (MIA).

Navy Cross citation "The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Joseph Sailer, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4675), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO (VMSB-132), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Guadalcanal Area of the Solomons Islands from 10 to 15 November 1942. Zealously seeking out and engaging the enemy under extremely hazardous conditions, Major Sailer led six attacks in spite of intense aerial opposition and anti-aircraft fire, scoring direct hits on a Japanese battleship of the Kongo Class, a heavy cruiser, a destroyer and two transports. His determined fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty contributed decisively to our success in routing the Japanese forces. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Memorials
Sailer was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Sailer is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. He also has a memorial marker at Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA.

References
NARA "Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 War Diary October 13, 1942 - April 30, 1943" - Page 14-15
Hall of Valor - Joseph Sailer , Jr. (Navy Cross citation)
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Joseph Sailer, Jr.
FindAGrave - Maj Joseph Sailer Jr. (photo, tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - MAJ Joseph Sailer Jr. (photo, memorial marker photo)
Missing Marines - Joseph Sailer, Jr. (photo)
Dauntless Marine Joseph Sailer Jr. Dive-bombing Ace (1997) by Alexander S. White biography of Joseph Sailer

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