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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 Lieutenant Mark Kenneth Bright (NSN: 0-103989), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of the Palau Islands on 30 and 31 March 1944; near western New Guinea on 21 and 22 April 1944; in the vicinity of Truk Islands on 29 and 30 April 1944; as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane. He led his division of fighters in repeated attacks against enemy positions in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, and by his own strafing attacks damaged two enemy destroyers, started fires on two enemy merchant ships, sank or set on fire eight small enemy craft, destroyed at least two enemy planes on the ground and damaged many others, and otherwise inflicted substantial damage on the enemy. His courage and skill was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942
    Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 28 (1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Mark Kenneth Bright (NSN: 0-103989), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces while deployed over Guadalcanal and Tulagi, in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Upon sighting an enemy force of eleven dive bombers about to enter upon a diving attack against transports and other surface vessels, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bright played an important role in an attack upon them which resulted in the destruction of nine of them, thereby breaking up the enemy attack and preventing the enemy from registering any hits upon their targets. He personally shot down two of the enemy bombers, one of them while in its dive before its bombs had been released. He also assisted in destroying two other planes which crashed under the combined fire of his guns and those of other friendly pilots. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.