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O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named after Edward Butch O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and the first Navy Medal of Honor recipient. O'Hare was known for his bravery, particularly during a nighttime fighter mission in 1943 when he led an attack on Japanese torpedo bombers. The airport was originally named Orchard Field Airport but was renamed in 1949 to honour O'Hare, who had perished six years earlier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare |
| Nickname | Butch |
| Father's Name | Edward Joseph O'Hare, also known as "Easy Eddie" or EJ O'Hare |
| Father's Profession | Lawyer, worked for Al Capone |
| Military Branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Military Academy | United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland |
| Battleship | USS Enterprise (CV-6) |
| Aircraft Carrier | USS Wolverine |
| Plane | Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, Boeing F4B-4A, Grumman F4F Wildcat, Grumman F6F Hellcat |
| Battle | World War II |
| Medal | Medal of Honor |
| Airport Named After | O'Hare International Airport |
| Airport Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Airport IATA Code | ORD |
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What You'll Learn
Edward Butch O'Hare's life and career
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, one of the busiest airports in the world, is named after Commander Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1914, O'Hare was of Irish and German descent. His father, Edward Joseph O'Hare, was a lawyer who worked closely with gangster Al Capone before turning against him and helping convict him of tax evasion.
Butch O'Hare graduated from the Western Military Academy in 1932 and then attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1937. He served two years on the battleship USS New Mexico before starting flight training at NAS Pensacola in Florida in 1939. On February 20, 1942, during World War II, O'Hare became the Navy's first fighter ace of the war when he single-handedly attacked a formation of nine medium bombers approaching his aircraft carrier. Despite having limited ammunition, he was credited with shooting down five enemy bombers and severely damaging a sixth, saving his carrier from serious damage. For his gallantry and courageous action, O'Hare received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming the first naval aviator to receive this award during World War II.
Following his heroic actions, O'Hare spent time as a poster boy for the war effort, making appearances to inspire enlistments and sell war bonds. However, he eventually requested to return to active duty. On the night of November 26, 1943, O'Hare led the U.S. Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter attack launched from an aircraft carrier. During this mission, his Grumman F6F Hellcat was shot down by a Japanese bomber, and his aircraft was never found.
In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, the Chicago-area Orchard Field Airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport on September 19, 1949, six years after his death. The airport features a display of a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, similar to the aircraft flown by O'Hare during his Medal of Honor action. Additionally, the USS O'Hare (DD-889), a U.S. Navy destroyer, was named in his honour in 1945.
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O'Hare's heroic actions in World War II
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is named after the World War II fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient, Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare. Butch O'Hare's heroic actions during World War II have earned him a place in history as a celebrated war hero. Here are some details of his valiant deeds:
Bravery in the Face of Adversity: On February 20, 1942, O'Hare displayed remarkable courage while piloting his fighter plane. He repeatedly attacked a group of Japanese heavy bombers, despite facing intense machine gun and cannon fire. This daring solo action is considered one of the most courageous moments in the history of combat aviation. President Roosevelt personally congratulated Butch for his exceptional bravery, which earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor.
Leading the Way: On the night of November 26, 1943, Butch O'Hare led the U.S. Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter attack launched from an aircraft carrier. When warnings came of an approaching large force of Japanese torpedo bombers, O'Hare volunteered to lead a fighter section to intercept the attackers. He fearlessly guided his group into battle against a formidable formation of enemy aircraft. During this mission, he assisted in shooting down two Japanese planes and dispersing the rest.
Selfless Service: After receiving the Medal of Honor, Butch O'Hare could have remained safe and continued to inspire others as a poster boy for the war effort. Instead, he chose to return to the front lines, knowing that his fellow pilots still faced danger. This selfless decision exemplifies his unwavering dedication to his country and his comrades.
Legacy and Remembrance: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS O'Hare (DD-889) was named in his honor in 1945. Additionally, on September 19, 1949, Chicago's Orchard Field Airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport to pay tribute to Butch O'Hare's bravery. Today, a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, similar to the one he flew during his Medal of Honor action, is on display in Terminal 2 of the airport, serving as a reminder of his heroic legacy.
The actions of Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare during World War II exemplified extraordinary heroism, courage, and selfless service. His contributions to the war effort and his bravery in the face of adversity have rightfully earned him a place in history and the honor of having a major international airport bear his name.
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O'Hare Airport's previous name
O'Hare Airport in Chicago was previously known as Orchard Field Airport or Orchard Depot Airport. On September 19, 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport in honour of Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and the first Navy Medal of Honor recipient.
Butch O'Hare was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Chicago. His father, "Easy Eddie" O'Hare, was a lawyer with connections to Al Capone. In 1931, Easy Eddie turned government informant and helped convict Capone of tax evasion. The following year, Butch entered the Naval Academy at Annapolis. After graduating, he served in the US Navy during World War II, becoming a celebrated war hero for his bravery and heroism in combat missions against Japanese forces.
On February 20, 1942, Butch O'Hare single-handedly attacked a formation of nine Japanese bombers approaching his aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. Despite limited ammunition, he was credited with shooting down five enemy planes. For this action, O'Hare received the Medal of Honor from President Roosevelt.
On the night of November 26, 1943, O'Hare led one of the US Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter missions launched from an aircraft carrier. During an encounter with Japanese torpedo bombers, his Grumman F6F Hellcat was shot down, and his aircraft was never found.
O'Hare Airport in Chicago was renamed in honour of Butch O'Hare's bravery and heroism. A Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, similar to the one flown by O'Hare during his Medal of Honor action, is on display in Terminal 2 of the airport.
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The proposal to rename the airport
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is named after Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and the first Navy Medal of Honor recipient.
The proposal to rename Chicago's Orchard Field Airport as O'Hare International Airport came from Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the publisher and owner of the Chicago Tribune, and a World War I veteran. McCormick suggested renaming the airport as a tribute to O'Hare's bravery and heroism. The proposal was well-received, and on September 19, 1949, six years after O'Hare's death, the airport was officially renamed O'Hare International Airport.
The story behind the name is a fascinating one, and passengers travelling through Terminal 2, Concourse B can learn about it through an impressive exhibit. The exhibit includes a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat plane, similar to the one flown by O'Hare during his Medal of Honor mission, which was recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan after a training accident in 1943.
O'Hare was a celebrated war hero, known for his daring combat missions and his contributions to the war effort. He was also known for his obsession with flight, joining the Naval Academy at Annapolis and becoming a Navy pilot. O'Hare's bravery and heroism were recognised not only through the renaming of the airport but also with other honours, including the Navy Cross, presented to him posthumously, and the USS O'Hare (DD-889) destroyer, named in his honour.
The proposal to rename Chicago's airport was a fitting tribute to the bravery and heroism of Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, ensuring that his story and legacy are remembered by millions of travellers who pass through O'Hare International Airport each year.
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O'Hare's personal life and family
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is named after Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and recipient of the Medal of Honor. Butch O'Hare was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Selma Anna (Lauth) and Edward Joseph O'Hare, known as "Easy Eddie" O'Hare.
Butch O'Hare's father was a lawyer with connections to Al Capone. Easy Eddie first gained wealth by purchasing a widowed client's patent rights to the mechanical rabbit used to bait racetrack greyhounds. He later worked for Capone, keeping the gang leader out of prison. In 1931 and 1932, during Capone's tax evasion trial, Easy Eddie cooperated with the government and provided incriminating evidence that helped convict and imprison Capone. Two months before Capone was released from Alcatraz, Easy Eddie was killed, most likely by Capone's gunmen.
Butch O'Hare graduated from the Western Military Academy in 1932 and subsequently attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He was commissioned as an ensign in 1937 and served on the battleship USS New Mexico for two years. In 1939, he began flight training at NAS Pensacola in Florida, flying various trainers and advanced aircraft. He trained in aerobatics and aerial gunnery on the Boeing F4B-4A.
In 1941, O'Hare met his future wife, nurse Rita Wooster, and they married in September of that year. Shortly after their honeymoon, O'Hare was called to duty following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a celebrated war hero, known for his bravery and heroism in combat. On November 26, 1943, O'Hare led the U.S. Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter attack launched from an aircraft carrier against Japanese torpedo bombers. During this mission, his plane was shot down, and he perished.
In recognition of his extraordinary heroism and bravery, O'Hare was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. On September 19, 1949, Chicago's Orchard Field Airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport in his honor. The airport features exhibits and displays commemorating O'Hare's legacy, including a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat aircraft similar to the one he flew during his Medal of Honor action.
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Frequently asked questions
O'Hare Airport is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient.
O'Hare was a celebrated war hero known for his bravery in combat aviation. He led the U.S. Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter attack launched from an aircraft carrier against a group of Japanese torpedo bombers on November 26, 1943.
The idea to name Chicago's airport after O'Hare was proposed by Robert McCormick, the publisher and owner of the Chicago Tribune.
On September 19, 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport, six years after O'Hare's death.
The airport was previously known as Orchard Field Airport or Orchard Depot Airport.
