Join us for Episode 29 as we delve into the remarkable story of John C. Waldron, a Navy fighter pilot and combat aviator who was a pivotal figure in the Battle of Midway. A 41-year-old “old man” by combat aviation standards, Waldron was part Native American Lakota from South Dakota, embodying the Lakota virtue of being “generous with your life” and the concept of “don’t try and live, you might disgrace yourself”. At Midway, a battle critical for “chopp[ing] off Japan’s unbroken string of victories”, the Hornet air group flew in the wrong direction; Waldron, the senior and most experienced squadron commander despite Navy “cronyism”, recognized the error and, with his men’s “complete confidence”, made a dramatic turn, famously declaring, “This is Johnny one, we’re going where the carriers are”. Leading his slow TBD Devastator squadron against faster, superior Zeroes, Waldron knew his probability of survival was low and instructed his pilots, “if there’s only one man left I want him to go in and get a hit”; indeed, only one man survived. His story exemplifies the unique bravery of older warriors who understand the cost, highlighting how focusing on the job, responsibility, and bigger mission transcends fear and ego, leading to the practical beginnings of heroic deeds that forge a legend who “live[s] forever”.
Episode 29: South Dakota Warrior โ The John Waldron Story
Episode 29 of American Warrior Radio, part of the “Old Guys on the Airplanes” series, delves into the remarkable story of John C. Waldron, a Navy fighter pilot and combat aviator at the Battle of Midway. Born on the hard prairie near Fort Pierce, South Dakota, Waldron was part Native American Lakota. At age 41, with a career, wife, and kids, he was considered an “old man” in combat aviator terms. Yet, on June 4th, 1942, he and the men he led changed the course of history.
The episode emphasizes that while many love war hero stories, they often ponder what kind of person embodies such a hero or what they would do in similar shoes. These stories highlight virtues like selflessness, integrity, and courage, but they come at a “very high price tag”.
A significant thread in Waldron’s story is his Lakota heritage. The sources explain that Lakota people were historically cavalry, fighting on horseback. In battle, they could see each other, and the fear of doing something cowardly that would affect their family back home was a powerful deterrent. They have a saying: “people get killed in war… don’t try and live, you might disgrace yourself”. Applied to war, this means being generous with your life for the survival of your family and tribe โ a true form of generosity. John Waldron embodied this virtue, being “generous with his life”. This cultural perspective frames the idea that a warrior “doesn’t try to live”.
Beyond personal virtue, Waldron also demonstrated exceptional leadership. He was in charge of his men and understood the need to never exhibit fear, even if scared, because it would jeopardize the entire company. The sources suggest this courage and leadership are what defined his risk-taking.
The historical context of the Battle of Midway is crucial. For the six months following Pearl Harbor, the Japanese had experienced uninterrupted victories, appearing “unbeatable”. The Battle of Coral Sea, four weeks prior, was the first reversal, setting the stage. Admiral Yamamoto had predicted he could “run wild for the first six months after which I can guarantee nothing,” and Midway practically fulfilled that prediction. The main significance of Midway is that it “chopped off Japan’s unbroken string of victories”; afterwards, Japan was almost totally on the defensive. The sources highlight that Waldron and his men went into this battle with little thought of coming home, understanding the danger. Their focus was on “defeating the enemy” and the hope for a good outcome, not on their own survival.
Navy culture in 1942 also played a role. There was a distinct hierarchy, with Annapolis graduates holding sway. While Waldron was a highly experienced career aviator with multiple squadron tours and the senior squadron commander on the carrier USS Hornet, the role of Air Group Commander went to Stanhope Ring, who was less experienced but had been a “crony” of the commissioning officer, Mark Mitscher. This “cronyism” meant the most qualified person was not in charge of the overall air group.
When the Hornet air group launched, the Air Group Commander, Stanhope Ring, directed them to fly almost due west, despite intelligence suggesting the Japanese fleet was southwest. Waldron, looking at his plotting board, recognized this was wrong. What followed was a radio argument between Ring and Waldron, breaking radio silence. Ultimately, Waldron made a dramatic, approximately 90-degree left turn, breaking off from the main air group. His famous words over the radio were “This is Johnny one, we’re going where the carriers are”. He had the “complete confidence of his troops,” and none hesitated to follow him.
Waldron’s squadron flew the TBD Devastator torpedo bomber. While a capable machine for its time (triple threat: torpedo, high-altitude bombs, rear gunner), by 1942, it was slow and limited tactically by the need to drop torpedoes from a low altitude (60-100 feet). The Japanese Zeroes were approximately 200 mph faster, had the altitude advantage, and superior armament. The fight was only going to go one way. Waldron knew this, telling his pilots before they launched, “if there’s only one man left I want him to go in and get a hit”. George Gay was indeed the sole survivor.
The episode reflects on the greater bravery required of older men going into combat, who have families and understand the full consequences, compared to younger, potentially less experienced soldiers. They know their probability of survival is low, meaning goodbye not just to crewmates but to family thousands of miles away. Yet, the focus on the job, responsibility, and the bigger mission allows warriors to transcend fear and ego. This focus prevents them from becoming “unglued” and enables them to perform their duty. It is in this practical, unglamorous focus that heroic deeds begin, leading to legends. When you become a legend, the sources note, “you live forever”.
John Waldron’s story is presented as a powerful example of the blend of personal virtue, cultural values, military context, and focused responsibility that defines a true warrior hero.