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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Henry Clay Bearden (NSN: 0-301183), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 13 November 1944. Pressing home his dive bombing attack on an enemy light cruiser in a harbor in the Philippine Islands, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he scored direct hits with his bombs, causing the destroyer to settle and later to sink. His courage, determination, and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 035 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Henry Clay Bearden (NSN: 0-301183), 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 TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against units of the Japanese Fleet in waters west of the Central Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying as wingman on a search and attack mission when an enemy task force was sighted and his division was assigned an aircraft carrier as a target, Ensign Bearden defied the withering barrages of anti-aircraft fire to dive low over the hostile warship and release his bombs at perilously low altitude to score direct hits which started fires and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the Japanese vessel. His superb airmanship, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Ensign Bearden and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1944 – January 16, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Clay Bearden (NSN: 0-301183), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 18 October 1944 to 16 June 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bearden completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.