USS Essex VT-83 TBF Avenger Pilot's dog tag. Awarded NAVY CROSS

[USdog]

Getting this one in a trade. Veteran served as a pilot in a TBF Avenger dive bomber of VT-83 off the USS ESSEX. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions involving the sinking of the great battleship YAMATO, April 7, 1945, off Okinawa. See citation below.... Please do not post name. Thank you.

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign -----------, 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 EIGHTY-THREE (VT-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in the Fleet action in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Ensign ------ skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a low-level coordinated torpedo attack against major units of a Task Force of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked the enemy battleship, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo to contribute materially to the sinking of the vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0792 (July 6, 1945)

Action Date: April 7, 1945

Service: Navy

Rank: Ensign

Company: Torpedo Squadron 83 (VT-83)

Division: U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

 

[USdog]

A great picture of Yamato under attack

[USdog]

...Yamato under attack on April 7, 1945.

[USdog]

Yamato explosion

[Gardner11]

That sir is an outstanding piece of history congratulations on a great trade .

[cperkins510]

Wow, what an amazing tag! There are not many aviators who can claim scoring a direct hit on a capital ship. This Ensign is a part of some pretty elite company.

[muddyboots]

Excellent tag. And fantastic history.

[USdog]

Thanks all! Happy Easter!