Eastman was 'a pilot's pilot, a man's man, a loyal, true friend'
by Jennifer Compton Lee

Office of History

Displaying coolness, courage and skill in the face of enemy aircraft during World War II helped earn Utah native Richard Taylor Eastmond the Navy Cross. 

Eastmond, who was inducted into the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame on May 26, 2001, was born on March 18, 1920, in Provo. He attended school in Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah from 1938-1941 — though he didn’t receive his college degree until 1968. 

Following the outbreak of World War II, Eastmond enlisted as an aviation cadet with the Navy. He was commissioned as an ensign in March 1942, and married Marjorie Ashton before going to sea. 

Eastmond was assigned to Fighter Squadron One, known as the “High Hatters.” The unit deployed during World War II in the Pacific theatre on the U.S.S. Yorktown. He flew the F6F Hellcat from the Yorktown from December 1943 through August 1944, primarily over and around the Gilbert, Marshall, Mariana and Bonin Islands. 

Eastmond’s squadron was part of Task Force 58 commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher. From June 11 to Aug. 10, 1944, it was engaged in the campaign for the Marianas. Roy A. Grossnick of the Naval Historical Center, in his book “United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995,” describes this action as follows: 

“Task Force 58, built around seven heavy and eight light carriers, opened the campaign to occupy the Marianas Islands with a late afternoon fighter sweep (June 11) that destroyed one-third of the defending air force. In bombing and strafing attacks on shore installations and on shipping in the immediate area on succeeding days, this force prepared the way for the amphibious assault of Saipan (June 15), supported operations ashore with daily offensive missions, kept the area isolated with attacks on airfields and shipping in the Bonin and Volcano Islands to the north (June 15-16, 24, July 3-4 and Aug. 4-5), and successfully defended the operation against an attack by major fleet forces in the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19-20). On the first day (June 19), Task Force 58 repelled a day-long air attack from carriers and shore bases, destroying 402 enemy planes, and the next day (June 20) launched an air attack late in the afternoon on the retreating enemy fleet, sinking [an aircraft] carrier and two fleet oilers. 

“Air cover for assault and close air support for operations ashore was provided by aircraft from an initial force of 11 escort carriers attached to Attack Forces. A Navy seaplane squadron VP-16, moved into the area (June 16) and began operations from the open sea. Garrison aircraft were ferried in by escort carriers to operate from captured airfields. First to arrive were Marine observation planes of VMO-4 (June 17), Army Air Forces P-47s (June 22), and Marine Corps Night Fighter Squadron 532 (July 12). After organized resistance ended on Saipan (July 9), troops landed on Guam (July 21) and on Tinian (July 24).”


As a part of these operations, it was on June 12, 1944 that Eastmond won his first combat victory, over the Marianas Islands. He shot down his second enemy aircraft three days later, on June 15, over Bonin Island. Four days later, repelling the aforementioned day-long enemy air attack, Eastmond distinguished himself by shooting down four enemy aircraft in a matter of minutes. 


That mission earned him the Navy Cross, awarded to Navy or Marine Corps personnel that distinguish themselves in action by extraordinary heroism. The citation accompanying that award reads: 

“For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy as a pilot of a carrier based fighter aircraft in the vicinity of the Marianas Islands on 19 June 1944. He led his division to intercept superior numbers of enemy aircraft attempting to strike at our major fleet units and, completely disregarding his own safety, shot down four planes on a single flight. His coolness, courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”


Over the next few months, Eastmond continued to fly combat missions. According to the Naval Historical Center, he was credited with a total of nine definite enemy kills, one probable kill, and the sinking of two enemy destroyer escort vessels. This qualified him as a Navy “Ace.”


After World War II in 1945, Eastmond left active duty as a captain, remaining in the Naval Reserve. In 1966, he retired from the Naval Reserve to pursue his civilian career full-time. He died on Nov. 4, 1981 and was buried at sea with full military honors. 

A fellow fighter pilot from World War II remembered him, saying, “He never hesitated to display his loyalty and fierce love for his country and flag. He was a pilot’s pilot, a man’s man, and a loyal and true friend.”


Eastmond’s decorations include the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two Gold Stars, World War II and Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medals, three Battle Stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

 





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