Melvin Charles Hohnbaum, USNR AOM3c-AOM1c, was a flight crew waist gunner for the famous PBY-5 VP11 “Black Cats” squadron during WWII. For his heroic actions during combat missions, Melvin C. Hohnbaum was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three stars, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars.

Military Citations:
Distinguished Flying Cross: Aviation Ordnance Man Second Class Melvin C. Hohnbaum is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in sustained operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific area from 18 September 1943 to 30 December 1943, during which hostile contact was probable and expected.

Air Medal: For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as Aircrewman of a Patrol Plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, on September 19 and 30, 1944. During a night patrol mission HOHNBAUM rendered valuable assistance to his pilot in the infliction of serious damage on an enemy tanker. When his plane was attacked by four hostile fighters on September 30, he contributed to the probable destruction of one plane and the infliction of damage on two others. His devotion to duty and coolness under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Presidential Unit Citation:
For outstanding performance above the normal call of duty while engaged in Search Missions and Anti-Shipping attacks in the enemy Japanese-controlled Area of the Bismarck Sea from September 14, 1943 to February 1, 1944. Rendering pioneer service in changing the passive, defensive search into a bold and powerful offensive, Patrol Squadron ELEVEN has utilized the full potentialities of the PBY-5 seaplane and its equipment, locating enemy task force units and striking dangerously by night in devastating masthead, glide-bombing attacks to insure vital hits on the target. Dauntless and aggressive in the fulfillment of each assignment, the gallant pilots of Squadron ELEVEN conducted daring, lone patrols regardless of weather in a continuous coverage of this area, intercepting and attacking so effectively as to inflict substantial damage on hostile combat and other shipping to deny the enemy the sea route between New Ireland and New Britain Islands and thus prevent the reinforcing of important Japanese bases. The splendid record of this combat group is a tribute to the courageous fighting spirit of its officers and men and reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

The VP/VPB-11 “Proud Pegasus” squadron seaplane bases included NAS San Diego, CA; NAS Kaneohe, HI; Perth, Brisbane, and Palm Island, Australia. During combat deployment the VP11 squadron moved base-to-base off New Guinea; Woendi, Schouten Islands, Morotai, Indonesia; Middleburg Island; and Samar Island, Philippines. Ship tender support was provided by USS McFarland (AVD14), Curtiss (AV4), San Pablo (AVP30), Half Moon (AVP26), Orca (AVP49), and Pocomoke (AV9). VP11 conducted nighttime operations around New Guinea, New Ireland, and the Bismarck Sea under Wing Assignments FAW-14, FAW-2, FAW-10 and FAW-17 in conjunction with daytime attacks by the 5th Bombardment Group, 5th USAAF.