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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Arthur Murray Preston
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Arthur Murray Preston. World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant and commander of Ron 33. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, on September 16, 1944. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and supply area. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft smokescreen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel, Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous fire for 2l/2 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service".

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Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 22, 2021 - 6:04am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Are you sure that is Preston? I ask, because he is wearing the Navy Cross, I can not find where he was ever awarded one. However, four other men were awarded the Navy Cross, for action on that day.



Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Apr 22, 2021 - 10:21pm
Total Posts: 150 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm



Positive this is Preston. Taken shortly after the incident involving his boats on one of the tenders. This was probably an in field medal that was awarded and then later upgraded to the Medal of Honor which was presented to him by President Truman

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Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 23, 2021 - 7:30am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Actually a photo does exists of him wearing the Navy Cross other then the one posted here. A real mystery now as I can't find any documents that he was awarded the Navy Cross, Hmmmmmm



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 23, 2021 - 9:33am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I think the first photo is probably Lt. Wilfred B. Tatro, skipper of the 489 boat that day. He was awarded The Navy Cross on that mission. The second photo is Preston!



Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Apr 23, 2021 - 8:24pm
Total Posts: 150 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm



The signature looks like Murray Oreto but I wouldn't bet money on the last name:

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Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Apr 24, 2021 - 5:12am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



All;
Here is the photo Frank mentioned. In this photo, apparently taken after his MOH ceremony, Preston is clearly wearing the MOH around his neck, and the top ribbon on his “rack” is the Navy Cross. Thoughts???
Take care,
TED
PS to me this Preston and the supposed Preston( on ship) looks like the same guy, just thinner. Let’s remember the average PT guy lost 20-30 lbs in the war zone.





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Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 24, 2021 - 8:04am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Well here is an additional twist....


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PT 489 LT WILFRED B TATRO Jr. CO being transferred to USS Sagamon CVE 26.

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PT 489 RON 33 18 September 1944 LT WILFRED B. TATRO Jr. CO BEING TRANSFERRED TO USS SAGAMON FROM USS ROBERT ROWELL(DE 403),


Don Schroeder, USS SAGAMON crewmember recalls: "When they brought LT Tatro aboard he had a small wrench partially imbedded in his forehead. The story was that the wrench was laying on the upper deck and when they accelerated the PT boat it flew into his forehead. We had a surgeon aboard so they brought him to us."



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 24, 2021 - 9:13am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



I can't find Preston on anybody's list as having received the Navy Cross.


Charlie

Posted By: 29navy | Posted on: Apr 24, 2021 - 11:45am
Total Posts: 598 | Joined: Dec 28, 2006 - 3:02pm