Martin, David Moser, 1918-1990
Biography
David Moser Martin (1918-1990) was a Commander in the United States Navy who served as a pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon entering the Navy in 1941, Martin received flight training at Naval Air Station Jacksonville between 1941 and 1942 before being deployed to the Pacific in January 1943.
Once in the Pacific, Martin was assigned to the U.S.S. Shangri-La (CV-38), with which he recorded over 200 flights in a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, many of them with Bombing Squadron 17, Task Force 58, between February 1943 and December 1944. Between late December 1944 and September 1945, Martin recorded over 100 flights in a Vought F4U Corsair as part of the "Sky Pirates" of Bombing Fighting Squadron 85. Post-war, Martin flew Grumman F8F Bearcats and McDonnell F2H Banshees back and forth from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and St. Louis, Missouri, between 1948 and 1952.
For his service in the Pacific, Martin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Navy/USMC Commendation Medal, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and a Navy Unit Commendation.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
David M. Martin Collection
The David M. Martin Collection comprises flight logs, flight manuals, photographs, periodicals, and artwork relating to the service of Cdr. David M. Martin, USNR during his service as a pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II.