Michigan’s Heroes

Interesting information from our friends Michigan Heroes Museum.

On social media we are currently featuring the stories of the heroes on display in our Cross Gallery.  The Distinguished Service Cross (Army), Navy Cross (Navy and Marines) and Air Force Cross (Air Force and Space Force) are the second highest award for extraordinary heroism, second only to the Medal of Honor.  Today we remember CDR Carl Foster of Detroit and Emmett, MI.  His display, and the displays of 140 other military and space heroes from the great state of Michigan can be seen 10am-5pm daily in Frankenmuth, MI.  Honor.  Respect.  Remember.

Commander Carl C. Foster

U.S.  Naval Reserve Detroit and Emmett, Michigan

Carl Foster left Detroit, Michigan, for duty with the U.S. Navy. After completing his training as a Naval Aviator, Carl was commissioned as an Ensign and received his wings. He was assigned to VF-30 aboard the U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24), an aircraft carrier, and sailed for the Pacific Theater of Operations. On April 6, 1945, Ensign Foster and thirteen other Hellcat fighter pilots took on 47 Japanese Kamikaze planes. In the fierce 28 minute battle that took place, Ensign Carl Foster shot six Japanese planes out of the sky, three dive bombers and three fighter planes. His score was the highest of the American fighters to intercept the Japanese force that day. The Japanese were hoping to sink or greatly damage Admiral James Mitscher’s Task Force 58 in the battle for Okinawa. The Americans shot down all 47 Japanese planes without a single casualty to themselves. Foster ended the war with a total of 8½ air victories and he also sank one Japanese cargo ship. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and six Air Medals. Carl remained in the Naval Reserve and served at a number of battle stations, including Grosse Ile, Michigan, before retiring as a Commander.