Robert “Bob” Wade, a Jenkintown native, 1942 Cheltenham High School graduate and World War II Second Lieutenant, was credited with shooting down seven enemy Japanese kamikaze dive bombers in May 1945.

According to local historian Chuck Langerman, the combat fighter pilot spotted the enemy planes heading for friendly shipping off Okinawa Island in the East China Sea. He made several repeated runs on the formations and was able to take seven of them down before they could do any harm.

For his heroism and service as a fighter pilot, Wade was presented the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal by President Harry Truman.

He grew up at 415 Church Road in Elkins Park and excelled in the classroom, on the football field, and he often dreamed of becoming a pilot, Langerman said.

From the Military Times:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Robert Wade (MCSN: 0-30908), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. Flying at wingman on combat air patrol, Second Lieutenant Wade and his Section Leader pursued an enemy bomber-type aircraft which led them to a hostile force of approximately twenty-five suicide dive bombers headed for friendly shipping off Okinawa. Undaunted by the formidable array, he alternated with his Section Leader in making repeated runs on the hostile formations and, fighting his plane gallantly, shot down four of the Japanese craft and damaged three others, finally joining his companion in scattering the remnants of the devastated flight. His indomitable fighting spirit, courageous airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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