Oliver Mitchell

Oliver Mitchell was born March 14, 1917 at Los Angeles. He was the son of Nicholas D. Mitchell and Margaret Ruth Green of Los Angeles. He was an aviator in the United States Marine Corps who was killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. He would later have a United States Navy destroyer named in his honor.

Marine Corps career
Mitchell enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on May 23, 1941 and was appointed Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Naval Reserve September 3, 1941. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Reserves on March 14, 1942, was assigned to combat duty in the Solomons the following July.

Awarded the Silver Star
He was killed in action while engaging Japanese destroyers off Ramos Island, August 28, 1942. Lieutenant Mitchell was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for:


 * “Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a pilot while pressing home his attack in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. His aggressive fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Namesake
USS Oliver Mitchell (DE-417) was named in his honor. She was laid down January 3, 1944 by the Brown Shipbuilding Company, Houston; launched February 8, 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Margaret R. Mitchell, mother of 2nd Lt. Oliver Mitchell; and commissioned June 14, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Kenneth J. Barclay in command.