The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78743), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Executive Officer of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese Naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands Campaign on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy air opposition he led his division of planes in a dive bombing attack with precision, vigor, and heroic determination. In so doing he severely damaged a Japanese aircraft carrier. His courage, skill and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (April 1966)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of the Strategic Nuclear Branch of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Special Studies Group, from August 1963 to September 1965, for his contributions to studies and analyses of current and future national and international defense issues.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)Action Date:
June 4 – 6, 1942
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 18a (July 18, 1942)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78743), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Lieutenant Bottomley participated in dive-bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, he, vigorously and with heroic determination, pressed home his attacks against the Japanese invasion fleet thereby contributing in great measure to the glorious and decisive victory of our forces. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3)Action Date:
August 7, 1942
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 28The 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 Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78743), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), during the operations of the U.S. Naval forces against the Japanese occupied Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. He led his flight in two and his division in a third attack against enemy land installations and troop concentrations, thereby assisting in completely silencing enemy opposition and assuring the success of our landing operations without undue casualties. In so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the success and glorious invasion of our forces in that area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.