Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 82 (VF-82)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 82 (AG-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945

    Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Bennington: Serial 067 (April 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Jack Carl Fuller (NSN: 0-351851), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against an enemy Japanese battleship and nine escorting warships near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Despite extremely poor visibility and low ceiling, Ensign Fuller boldly took the lead in a determined and skillfully executed bombing attack on the target and, plunging through terrific anti-aircraft fire of all calibers from the enemy vessels, personally bombed the battleship in the center of the formation, thereby inflicting severe damage on the enemy. Continuing his daring run at great risk to his own life, he contributed essentially to the success of his Squadron in this hazardous attack which resulted in the sinking of the battleship, two cruisers and three destroyers and in the damaging of three other destroyers. By his superb airmanship, relentless fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Ensign Fuller upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.