Eugene Anthony Valencia promotion dates.

[keith A]

I should state that the citation for his Navy Cross (2 July 1945) calls him Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Eugene Anthony Valencia (NSN: 0-113030), United States Naval Reserve. I assume this was his temporary rank at the time? If so it would pinpoint his temporary promotion to around June 1945. In a newpaper article of August 1945, which shows him sporting a full set of whiskers he is still referred to as Lieutenant.

[Frank Olynyk]

He is a Lt(jg) for all of his 1943-44 VF-9 claims, and a Lt for all of his 1945 VF-9 claims. In addition I (and the American Fighter Aces Association) have increased his score to 24, because of a Judy which did a split-S into the water while he was chasing it, but before he had fired. The VF-9 ACIO refused to give him credit for it, "because he did not shoot it down." I have an undated newspaper clipping reporting this; and in addition Jim French told me about it. The actual reference is VF-9 ACA 73 for 1945.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Frank

That was interesting. This extra claim is not listed in your Victory list No 2.
Can you please expand a bit more, such as date and where (at least an estimate works for me)?

Cheers
Stig

[Frank Olynyk]

Stig,

April 16, 1945 at 1100 hours. Kagoshima A/F, Kyushu. Aircraft was a Judy. As noted, it is in the text (page 4) of VF-9 ACA 73. It is not on page 1, which is why it was left out of my list #2.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thank You Frank

Much appreciated, as usual!

Cheers
Stig