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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Bernard F. Berry (NSN: 0-130500), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy, while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Aircraft in the Kure strike on 19 March 1945. He skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy aircraft carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring two direct hits with his bombs which contributed materially to the disabling of the vessel. 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 84 (VT-84)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 84 (AG-84)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)

    Action Date:

    February 16 – May 11, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Bernard F. Berry (NSN: 0-130500), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa, Kyushu, Minami Daito Shima and Iwo Jima. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February to 11 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy airfields and installations inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 84 (VT-84)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 84 (AG-84)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01003 (July 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Bernard F. Berry (NSN: 0-130500), 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 EIGHTY-FOUR (VT-84), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during an attack against the Japanese Battleship Yamato off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Displaying great skill and courage, Lieutenant Berry pressed home his torpedo attack and despite extremely intense anti-aircraft fire from all caliber weapons on the battleship and the surrounding screen. His plane was very seriously damaged by this fire. His torpedo was one of thirteen dropped in a concerted attack by the squadron, which cored at least nine hits on the battleship almost simultaneously. Without flinching he carried his torpedo in to close range through adverse weather conditions and intense enemy fire which included the main batteries, contributing materially to the complete destruction of the capital ship a short time later. His courage, skill, determination and unswerving devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.