TFH 3/10: The Raid on Salamaua-Lae - 28 Navy Crosses

March 1942 was a dark period for the United States in the Pacific theater of World War II. Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, our forces were completely on the defensive and suffered defeat after defeat. The Philippines were also soon to fall in the not too distant future.

Reconnaissance showed that a Japanese invasion force was preparing to land on New Guinea. In the early morning of March 10, 1942 two United States Navy carrier task forces - Vice Admiral Wilson Brown, Jr.'s Task Force 11 centered around the USS Lexington (CV-2) and Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher's Task Force 17 centered around the USS Yorktown (CV-5) - launched their aircraft from the Gulf of Papua to the south of the target areas of Salamaua and Lae.

The carriers' F4F Wildcat fighters, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, and TBD Devastator torpedo bombers launched 120 miles away from their targets and had to cross the Owen Stanley Range mountains - higher than 13,000 feet in places - to reach the enemy. They achieved complete surprise on the Japanese.

The daring raid sank three transports and a mine sweeper, and several other ships including a light cruiser and two destroyers were damaged. For his leadership during the attack and days prior, Vice Admiral Brown received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. The courage and skill of the Naval Aviators who flew the mission resulted in twenty-eight of them receiving the second-highest possible award for valor: the Navy Cross.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the Navy Cross citations for the 28 valiant fliers. The main links are all to Military Times' Hall of Valor. Most of these men received other decorations for valorous service, and I encourage you to follow the links and read it all.

Lieutenant Samuel Adams


The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Samuel Adams (NSN: 0-74937), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Leading his division in a dive-bombing attack against a formation of Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Adams, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, personally made one of several direct heavy bomb hits on a light cruiser, causing serious damage and probable destruction of the hostile vessel. His superb leadership and outstanding courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

In total, Lieutenant Adams received three Navy Crosses for valor. He was listed as missing in action and presumed killed on June 5, 1943.

Lieutenant Commander Robert Gordon Armstrong


The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Gordon Armstrong (NSN: 0-60301), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber and Flight Leader in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Armstrong led his squadron, armed with bombs, over high mountains and dense jungles of New Guinea and with calm judgment and consummate skill, led them in a dive bombing and strafing attack against enemy light cruisers and destroyers in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulting in severe damage to and probable complete destruction of three of the enemy ships. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Armstrong also received the Legion of Merit and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his flying during the war. He eventually retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral and passed away on November 24, 1980.

Lieutenant Evan Peter Aurand 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Evan Peter Aurand, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Aurand pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Evan Aurand retired from the Navy as a Vice Admiral and died on June 7, 1989. In addition to his Navy Cross, he was also decorated throughout his career with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Legion of Merit, and two of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Harry Brinkley Bass


The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry Brinkley Bass (NSN: 0-81320), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Bass pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking one of them. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bass' outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


He was killed in action on August 20, 1944. He received a second Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, the Silver Star medal, and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ensign David Render Berry


The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign David Render Berry (NSN: 0-83340), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Ensign Berry pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on a light cruiser and scored a direct hit resulting in severe damage and probable destruction of the enemy vessel. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


Berry was killed in action while commanding squadron VB-83 on May 13, 1945. He received two subsequent awards of the Navy Cross for courage.

Ensign LaVell Meldrum Bigelow

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy fire from a formation of Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Ensign Bigelow dived his airplane at a light cruiser and obtained a direct hit on it which resulted in serious damage to and probable destruction of that vessel. Ensign Bigelow's courage, skill, and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bigelow received two subsequent awards of the Navy Cross for valor. In 2005 he gave an interview to TV station KUED at the University of Utah (PDF file) about his World War II experiences. He retired from the Navy in 1968 with the rank of Captain and passed away a few months before his 90th birthday in 2007.

Lieutenant Commander James Henry Brett, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Henry Brett, Jr. (NSN: 0-62017), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Brett led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home a successful attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire against enemy ships, sinking three of them. Lieutenant Commander Brett's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Commander Brett received a second Navy Cross for actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He died (cause unknown) on November 27, 1946 with the rank of Captain. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Robert B. Buchan

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert B. Buchan, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Buchanan pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service

LTJG Buchan received a second Navy Cross for actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea. I was unable to find any records for him other than available at the Military Times' Hall of Valor. If he is still alive, he'd be 96 years old.

Lieutenant Commander William Oscar Burch, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Oscar Burch, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Flight Leader in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Burch fearlessly led his squadron over high mountains and dense jungles of New Guinea in a dive-bombing attack against three enemy airplane tenders or transports. He and his squadron scored seven direct hits and eight very near misses against the hostile vessels, one direct hit being made by Lieutenant Commander Burch personally, contributed materially to the sinking of the three Japanese ships.

Burch was also decorated twice more with the Navy Cross as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II. He received the Legion of Merit for his command as a Rear Admiral of the US Naval Aviation Safety Center. He retired from the Navy at that rank, and passed away on January 21, 1989.

Lieutenant Turner Foster Caldwell, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Turner Foster Caldwell, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Caldwell dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Like many of his comrades, Caldwell was a multiple recipient of the Navy Cross, ending the war with three. He died on October 12, 1991.

Ensign Kendall Carl Campbell

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Kendall Carl Campbell (NSN: 0-99660), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Ensign Campbell pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, making a direct hit on one hostile vessel. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

While fighting during the Battle of the Coral Sea about two months later, Ensign Campbell was awarded a second Navy Cross for valor and listed as missing in action, presumed killed on May 8, 1942. On July 31, 1944 the Navy commissioned the USS Kendall C. Campbell (DE-443).

Lieutenant Commander Robert Ellington Dixon

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Ellington Dixon, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Dixon led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. Lieutenant Commander Dixon's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Dixon received a second Navy Cross later in the war and two awards of the Legion of Merit in his post-WW2 career. He passed away in October 1981.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Arthur L. Downing

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Arthur L. Downing, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Downing dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

He received two more Navy Crosses during World War II. His Korean War service and heroism earned him the Legion of Merit with Combat "V". Based on death records, it is likely he passed away in 1994, 1996, or 1998.

Lieutenant Robert Faulkner Farrington

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Faulkner Farrington, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Farrington pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Farrington received a second Navy Cross for heroism during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain and died on May 3, 1989 two months short of age 75.

Lieutenant Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Gayler intercepted and shot down an enemy seaplane fighter. He then pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing and strafing attack on two enemy destroyers, causing many personnel casualties. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

As his citation indicates, this was his second Navy Cross, the first being awarded for a flight on February 20, 1942 during which he shot down two enemy aircraft, assisted in destroying two others, and attacked two Japanese destroyers. He received a third Navy Cross for valor during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He had an illustrious career, reaching the rank of full Admiral. His last two posts were as the 6th Director of the National Security Agency from 1969 to 1972 and the Commander-in-Chief US Pacific Command from 1972-1976. In addition to his three Navy Crosses, Gayler also received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (the highest non-combat award), two Navy Distinguished Service Medals, and two Legions of Merit. He passed away at age 96 on July 14, 2011 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Lieutenant Commander Weldon Lee Hamilton

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Weldon Lee Hamilton (NSN: 0-62053), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Hamilton led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking or crippling three of them. Lieutenant Commander Hamilton's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Commander Hamilton later received a second Navy Cross. For his leadership and skill in action up until his being declared missing in action and presumed killed on June 8, 1943 he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ensign Marvin M. Haschke

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Marvin M. Haschke (NSN: 0-84211), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Haschke pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Like so many other of his flying comrades, Haschke received a second Navy Cross for his valor during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He eventually attained the rank of Commander and passed away in 2002. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Austin, TX. (Rank, death, & burial info from Department of Veterans Affairs Nationwide Grave Locator)

Ensign Leon Wilder Haynes

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Leon Wilder Haynes, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Haynes pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one enemy ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

I could not find any conclusive information about Ensign Haynes' life following March 10, 1942.

Ensign John Arthur Leppla

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Arthur Leppla, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Leppla pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Leppla, since promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) and recipient of a second Navy Cross, was listed as missing in action and presumed killed on October 26, 1942. A headstone to his memory can be found in Arlington National Cemetery.

Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza (NSN: 0-83984), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Mazza participated in a vigorous and determined dive-bombing attack, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Harold Mazza went on to be awarded three subsequent Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He eventually reached the rank of Commander and also served our Nation during the Korean War. He died on June 24, 1956 and is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery (additional info from the VA grave locator)

Ensign Richard Franklin Neely

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Richard Franklin Neely (NSN: 0-84288), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Neely participated in a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Richard Franklin Neely received a second Navy Cross posthumously for the Battle of the Coral Sea. He was listed as missing in action, presumed killed on May 8, 1942.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Hugh W. Nicholson

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hugh W. Nicholson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nicholson pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, making a direct hit on one of them. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Nicholson received a second Navy Cross for actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea. His name appears on a war memorial in Washington County, IN. No other records were readily found, so I can only conclude that he was killed later in the war.

Ensign Anthony Joseph Quigley

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Anthony Joseph Quigley (NSN: 0-84090), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Quigley pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Quigley survived the war, remained in the Navy, and retired as a Rear Admiral. He passed away on April 23, 1975 and is buried in San Francisco National Cemetery.

Lieutenant Wallace Clark Short, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Wallace Clark Short, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Short pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the enemy vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Short received his second and third Navy Crosses for the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. He remained in the Navy following the war and reached the rank of Rear Admiral. He died on November 4, 1979.

Lieutenant Norman Anderson Sterrie

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman Anderson Sterrie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Sterrie pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Sterrie survived the war and subsequently was awarded two more Navy Crosses. I believe that based upon his birth and hometown records that he later went to medical school and became a pediatrician. He passed away on December 31, 2008 at age 91.

Lieutenant Commander Joseph Taylor

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Joseph Taylor (NSN: 0-61280), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron FIVE (VT-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, Lieutenant Commander Taylor led his squadron in a bombing attack against a sea plane carrier, located thirty miles beyond the planned objective. His plane obtained a direct hit on the seaplane carrier, which destroyed the aircraft on deck and disabled the ship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Taylor retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral. His World War II exploits earned him a total of three Navy Crosses. In a letter to his parents in the wake of the Battle of the Coral Sea, he showed the true essence of both a leader of men in battle and a hero when he penned, "There is one thing I am surely thankful for. I brought every one of my pilots back with me after the raid." He passed away in May 1963.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Stanley Winfield Vejtasa

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

He finished World War II as a three-time Navy Cross recipient. His later Navy career saw him decorated with the Legion of Merit and he retired as a Captain in 1970. I can not find any death records, so it is possible he his still living. If so, he would be 97 years old today.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Mark Twain Whittier

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Mark Twain Whittier, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Whittier pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Whittier survived the war. He passed away at age 92 in 2005.

Thank you, my readers, if you've gotten to the end here. We're here today with the freedom we enjoy because of thousands who have given both their strength and blood to defend us.

A footnote to the raid on Salamaua-Lae: they failed to defeat the Japanese attack. However, the Japanese were put on notice that the United States was no longer going to stand by, retreat, and defend. We would take the fight to the enemy. We would risk what little we had left to fight with - the precious aircraft carriers - and do whatever it took to stem the tide of tyranny.

The twenty-eight men honored today, 70 years after their heroic actions, all went on to fly and fight again. Most of them participated in both the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway later in 1942; the latter would change the course of World War II in the Pacific.

For the lives of Adams, Armstrong, Aurand, Bass, Berry, Bigelow, Brett, Buchan, Burch, Caldwell, Campbell, Dixon, Downing, Farrington, Gayler, Hamilton, Haschke, Haynes, Leppla, Mazza, Neely, Nicholson, Quigley, Short, Sterrie, Taylor, Vejtasa, and Whittier we are eternally thankful, and we know that we owe all of them a debt that simply cannot be repaid.