Korean War
| Service # | 407105 |
|---|---|
| Unit | 653 FITRON |
| Rank | Lieutenant U.S. Navy |
| Date of Death | May 13 1952 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Air Medal
Combat Action Ribbon (Navy)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Silver Star
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Sanko was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, the Air Medal with Gold Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Lieutenant Sanko was a decorated veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 653, aboard carrier USS VALLEY FORGE (CV-45). On May 13, 1952, while on a combat mission over north of Munchon, North Korea, his aircraft suffered a direct hit by a 37mm shell, lost its wing, crashed and burned. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.