William C. Lawe

William Clare Lawe (January 26, 1910–June 4, 1942) was a United States Navy sailor who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart for his role in the Battle of Midway during World War II. His unit was attached to Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) which was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their courageous performance. Subsequently, a U.S. Navy destroyer was named in his honor.

Lawe was born on January 26, 1910 in Carson City, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 27, 1928 in Detroit, and attained the rate of aviation metalsmith third class (AM3c). Lawe was assigned to a part of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) which received the new Grumman TBF-1 Avenger torpedo bomber. This detachment from VT-8 temporarily left carrier Hornet (CV-8) to train in the TBF Avengers. They eventually arrived at Luke Field, Hawaii, for final training prior to rejoining their squadron mates in Hornet.

As American cryptoanalysts found that the Japanese planned an assault on strategic Midway Atoll, preparations proceeded rapidly to prepare the island to repel the expected attack. Accordingly, AM3c Lawe volunteered to participate in a detachment flight to Midway as aircrew in one of the six planes commanded by Lieutenant Langdon K. Fieberling. Lawe rode as gunner in the Avenger flown by Ensign Charles E. Brannon, USNR.

After arriving at Midway on June 1, 1942, a six-plane detachment spent the next few days in readiness until departing to attack the Japanese fleet on June 4 at 06:00. Attacked by Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters within minutes of their departure, the TBF Avengers briefly evaded their pursuers and climbed to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). At 07:00, once the airmen sighted the Japanese fleet they dove to 150 feet (45 m). The six TBF Avengers approached the Japanese carriers from astern, but were again met by A6M Zeroes. One aircraft that had been badly damaged aimed its torpedo toward a light cruiser, before limping back to Midway. The five other aircraft including Ens. Brannon's with AM3c Lawe on board were shot down miles from their objective.

For his part, AM3c Lawe received a posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart.

The destroyer escort USS William C. Lawe (DE-313) was named for him, but her construction was cancelled in 1944. The name was transferred to the destroyer escort USS William C. Lawe (DE-373), but her construction also was cancelled in 1944. In 1945, the destroyer USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), in commission from 1946 to 1983, was named in his honor.