Edwin William Hurst

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Edwin William Hurst was born 16 October 1910 at Falls City, Nebraska.

[edit] Education

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1932.

After serving in USS Tennessee (BB-43), he completed flight training in 1935. He was then assigned to several squadrons and aviation shore facilities before reporting on board USS Lexington (CV-2) 19 May 1941.

Hurst earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses. During the critical Battle of the Coral Sea 7 to 8 May 1942, he daringly attacked carrier Shoho, scoring hits which contributed to her sinking; and the following day severely damaged carrier Shokaku. While flying over the uncharted Owen Stanley Range, he pressed home a successful torpedo attack in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, severely damaging enemy shipping and installations at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, 10 March 1942.

With his gallant carrier USS Lexington sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Lt. Hurst flew from New Zealand until his death 9 June 1942 in a crash near Whemuapai.

USS Hurst (DE-250) was named in his honor. The ship, a destroyer escort, was launched by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas, 14 April 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Jeanette Harris Hurst, widow; and commissioned 30 August 1943, Lt. Comdr. B. H. Brallier commanding.