Lofton Russell Henderson was a United States Marine Corps aviator during World War II. He commanded Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241) at the Battle of Midway and died while leading his squadron in an attack against Japanese aircraft carriers.
Lofton R. Henderson
Marine Attack Squadron 241 (VMA-241) was an aircraft squadron of the United States Marine Corps, known as the "Sons of Satan". The squadron was commissioned during World War II and took part in the Battle of Midway, sustaining 75% losses. It was extensively involved in combat while providing close air support during the 1944–1945 Philippines Campaign. The squadron, equipped with A-4 Skyhawk light attack aircraft, became part of the Marine Forces Reserve, based at Naval Air Station Los Alamitos, California, from 1946 until the 1960s.
A U.S. Marine Corps Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless of Marine scout bombing squadron VMSB-241 on Midway Atoll, 4 June 1942.
Photo from May 1942 showing the officers from VMSB-241.
Two Vought SB2U-3 Vindicators of VMSB-241 take off from Midway Atoll. Plane No. 6 in the foreground (BuNo 2045) was flown on June 4, 1942 by 2nd Lt James H. Marmande with PFC Edby Colvin as gunner. This plane was flown in the morning attack against the Japanese and disappeared on the night of 4/5 June about 16 km (10 mi) from Midway.