William Henry Lansing

William Henry Lansing (7 March 1914 – 11 June 1942) born in Amsterdam, New York, enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 14 February 1933. He joined the regular United States Navy on 8 May 1934 and was assigned to USS Lexington (CV-2) in August. In December 1941, Aviation Machinist Mate First Class Lansing joined Patrol Squadron 43, serving at San Diego, California, and Alameda, California. Following the entry of the United States into World War II, his squadron was dispatched to the Aleutian Islands for the aviation buildup in the North Pacific. On 11 June 1942 as plane captain, he participated in a divebombing and strafing attack on Japanese shipping in Kiska Harbor. While manning his exposed and unprotected station at the engine controls, he was killed by enemy fire. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.

USS Lansing (DE-388) was named in his honor.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.