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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 Donald Russell Beeson (NSN: 0-112005), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving as a pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber Plane in a carrier strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base, Honshu, on 28 July 1945. He skillfully piloted his aircraft in a glide bombing attack on an enemy cruiser. During this action, in the face of anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed to the damage inflicted on a cruiser. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 83 (VT-83)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 83 (AG-83)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    March 18 – May 13, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald Russell Beeson (NSN: 0-112005), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy on Nansei Shoto and Kyushu. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period from 18 March 1945 to 13 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 83 (VT-83)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 83 (AG-83)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0792 (July 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald Russell Beeson (NSN: 0-112005), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader of a Flight of 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. Lieutenant Beeson skillfully and courageously led his division 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 which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.