John Robert Alvord
Captain John R. Alvord was a Marine Corps pilot who flew with VMF-221.
He was shot down and reported missing in the battle of Midway on 4 June 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number O-6020
Current Status
Remains not recovered.
Pursuit Category
Based on circumstances of loss, this individual is considered permanently non-recoverable.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 13, 1915
at South Weymouth, MA
Parents
Henry Bissell Alvord (d. 1939)
Margaret (Graham) Alvord
Education
Melrose High School (1932)
Northeastern University (1937)
Occupation & Employer
Student
Service Life
Entered Service
September 14, 1937 (enlisted)
February 25, 1941 (commission)
Home Of Record
109 Putnam Street
Quincy, MA
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Nancy Alvord
Military Specialty
Pilot
Navigation & Flight Officer
Primary Unit
VMF-221
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Captain John Alvord was a Marine Corps fighter pilot assigned to VMF-221. His squadron was based at Midway Island in early 1942; Alvord flew an outdated F2A-3 “Buffalo” fighter in 1 Division, led by squadron commander Major Floyd B. Parks. On the ground, Alvord pulled double duty as the squadron’s Navigation Officer and Assistant Flight Officer.
At 0600 hours on 4 June 1942, Major Parks led his squadron aloft to intercept a large group of Japanese fighters and bombers bearing down on Midway. The five pilots of 1 Division attacked bravely, but their ageing Buffaloes were no match for the highly maneuverable “Zekes.” The entire division was shot out of the sky within minutes – including Captain Alvord’s F2A-3 #01525.
There are no eyewitness accounts of Alvord’s demise; he failed to return to Midway, and was reported as missing in action. On 5 June 1943, Alvord was officially declared dead.
Burial Information or Disposition
Shot down at sea; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Nancy Follett Alvord.
Location Of Loss
Alvord was shot down at an unspecified point after departing from Midway.
Courage, dedication, duty, and service. They should never be forgotten. Every one in this nation should study their sacrifices.