James C. Keefe Receives His Son's (Robert J. Keefe) Posthumous Award, June 6, 1944, Montgomery, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/montgomery/newspapers/cal3.txt ================================================================================ USGENWEB NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed and copyrighted by: Jennie Durao ================================================================================ October 2002 From the Alabama Journal News Maxwell Field Sergeant Receives his Son's Posthumous Award Master SSgt. James C. Keefe of Maxwell Field yesterday received an Air Medal, an award made posthumously to his 19 year old son, Srgt. Robert J. Keefe, a Marine Aerial gunner who was killed last September on Munda, New Georgia Island, in the Southwest Pacific. The presentation was made by Lieut. Col. Charles R. Cross, deputy for training, pre-flight school,during a retreat-review of aviation cadets on the post grounds. Srgt. Keefe's son joined the Marines shortly after Pearl Harbor, enlisting in Montgomery, after finishing his boot training at Paris Island, S.C. he qualified for Marine aviation. He was killed Sept. 4. Srgt. Keefe, an investigator for the provost marshal, has been stationed at Maxwell field since December 1941. The citation accompanying the award reads: For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a radio-gunner serving with the Marine squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in Solomon Islands area from August 11, to September 4, 1943. Participating in numerous flights over heavily defended enemy targets during this period of intense activity. Srgt. Keefe displayed outstanding courage in the face of severe opposition and by his heroic devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of these hazardous missions. His Aggressive fighting spirit and skillful performance in combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.