A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Captain David McCampbell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1933 and was a designated a Navy Aviator in 1938. In 1944, he assumed command of Air Group 15. While Commander of Air Group 15, he became the Navy's top Ace with a total of 34 victories. Seven of those victories were scored on June 19, 1944 and nine on October 24 – both records for American aviators. During a seven month combat tour, his Air Group sank more shipping and downed more enemy aircraft than any Air Group in naval aviation history. His awards for combat action include the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Presidential Unit Citation. Captain McCampbell was enshrined in the Naval Aviation Hall of Honor in 1988 and in the National Aviation hall of Fame in 1996.