1st Lt. Milton N. Vedder
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Fighting Squadron 213 (VMF-213),
F4U Corsair Pilot
Background
Milton Norwood Vedder was born February 26, 1919 in Bakersfield, California. Later, his family moved to Los Angeles. He attended Stanford University and registered for the draft on October 16, 1940.
Wartime History
On February 18, 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Navy in San Francisco with service number 4138216. After completing boot camp then attended flight school at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and earned his wings and was assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR). On October 1, 1942 commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-14464. Sent overseas to the South Pacific (SoPAC). Assigned to 1st Marine Air Wing (1st MAW), Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11), Marine Fighting Squadron 213 (VMF-213) "Hell Hawks".
On April 25, 1943 took off piloting F4U-1 Corsair 02413 as one of twelve F4Us on a mission to escort SBD Dauntless dive bombers to Vila Airfield on Kolombangara. The Corsairs meet the SBDs over Savo Island then escorted them to the target area, but thick clouds prevented the SBDs from finding the target. Regardless, four F4U Corsairs led by Major Peyton, with Lt. Vedder, Lt. Eckart and Lt. Peck conducted a strafing attack against Vanga Vanga and barges off Kolombangara. The four Corsairs dove to 2,000' over the Blackett Strait then made four strafing runs at tree top height over Vanga Vanga and barges (two runs over the village and two runs over the cove). The Corsairs left the area with smoke rising then climbed to 3,000' for the return flight. Returning, the four Corsairs intercepted a formation of Japanese bombers and fighter. During the air combat, Vedder claimed three Zeros but was hit by gunfire and bailed out at 500' and landed in the sea and managed to deployed his life raft and paddled towards shore where he met friendly forces who took him to the Allied coastwatcher who reported him to be safe. Later, he was rescued by PBY Catalina and returned to duty.
On July 2, 1943 took off piloting F4U Corsair 02384 on a mission. He claimed three Bettys near Vella Lavella.
Promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
In second tour of duty, he served with 1st Marine Air Wing (1st MAW), Marine Air Depot Squadron 1.
During 1943, married Beatrice Anne Bedwell of Sydney. She passed away in Hawaii, age 81 (of Kawela, Moloka'i).
On December 7, 1943 he was admitted to
U.S. Navy Mobile Hospital No. 4 (USNMH4) in Auckland in New Zealand and recommended he be transfered to a Navy Hospital in the United States for further treatment.
On February 11, 1944 Vedder died of chronic encephalitis.
He was initially buried at Auckland Cemetery (Waikumete Cemetery) in the American Forces Division, block A, section 4, plot 4. During 1945, his remains were disinterred and transported to Hawaii, On August 28, 1946 buried at Schofield Barracks Cemetery at Schofield Barracks. During 1948, again disinterred then transported to California for permanent burial.
Aerial Victory Claims
Vedder was officially credited with a a total of 6 aerial victories during World War II. All of his aerial victory claims were made piloting the F4U Corsair in the Solomon Islands.
| Victory |
Date |
Location |
Aircraft |
Notes on claim |
| 1 |
04/25/43 |
Vangunu |
Zeke |
First aerial victory claim, no Japanese losses. |
| 2 |
04/25/43 |
Vangunu |
Zeke |
Second aerial victory claim, no Japanese losses. |
| 3 |
07/15/43 |
Gizo-Vella Lavella |
Betty |
Third aerial victory claim. |
| 4 |
07/15/43 |
Ranongga |
Betty |
Fourth aerial victory claim. |
| 5 |
07/15/43 |
Vella Lavella |
Betty |
Fifth aerial victory claim, became an "ace". |
| 6 |
07/21/43 |
Rendova |
Zero |
Sixth aerial victory claim. |
Memorials
During 1948, Vedder was permanently buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery at section K, site 75.
Relatives
Beatrice Anne Bedwell (wife 1943–1944)
Dwight G. Vedder (father)
Awards
Vedder earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with oak leaf cluster and Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster for wounds April 25, 1943 and July 2, 1943.
References
U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards - Milton N. Vedder October 16, 1940
U.S. Navy Muster Rolls, Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi May 1942 -
USMC Casualty Card - Milton N. Vedder
(Front) "History: 25 Apr 43 Wounded in action at New Georgia Solomon Is. *** Fr War Diary S.C.File #23081 fr VMF 213, MAG 11, 1st MAW rec'd 5/31/43
Died 11 Feb 44 at USNMH#4, Auckland, New Zealand of encephalitis hospitalized"
(Rear) "Cert. of death rec'd fr zone 3/24/44. (jeb)
*** 20mm wound in outer portion, rt thigh.
Rep of Med Sur fr USNM#4, Auckland, New Zealand dated 12/16/43 re'd 1/25/44 states man adm to this hosp 12/7/43."
Fold3 - Milton Norwood Vedder (photos)
TogetherWeServed - Milton Norwood Vedder
FindAGrave - 1LT Milton Norwood Vedder (photo)
Stars & Bars (1995) page 72 (VMF-213), 607 (Vedder)
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