Navy Federal Credit Union

While minorities were normally relegated to non-combat duties on U.S. Navy Ships, Gun Tub 10 on the U.S.S. Intrepid was manned by Black and Hispanic volunteers, most of them cooks or waiters for the Officers’ Mess. On October 29, 1944, in the face of a diving kamikaze, these brave sailors of Gun Tub 10 maintained their duty stations until the enemy plane crashed into their position killing 10 men and badly burning the others. Six of the survivors were subsequently awarded Bronze Stars. Decades later Alonzo Swann, one of the six, sued for the Navy Cross he had been promised but which had been downgraded to the Bronze Star. Ultimately, from 1993 to 2002, three of the six men initially awarded Bronze Stars received Navy Crosses. Alfonso Chavarrias, while not one of the six to get the Bronze Star, as a member of Gun Tub 10 who was killed in that attack, was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross by President George Bush in 2002.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Steward’s Mate Third Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    October 29, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Steward’s Mate Third Class Alfonso Chavarrias (NSN: 3814417), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a Gun Captain of a 20-mm. anti-aircraft gun aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces when his ship was attacked by a Japanese dive bomber from the starboard side of the ship in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 29 October 1944. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire which caused extensive damage to the ship, Petty Officer Chavarrias remained in a dangerously exposed position and inadvertently continued to operate his portside gun in its fire over the flight deck. Although it became apparent that the enemy plane was headed directly for his gun tub and despite the imminent danger, he steadfastly continued to deliver effective gun fire upon the enemy until the Japanese plane crashed into the tub and exploded, causing him to be severely burned. Through his daring and resolute determination, Petty Officer Chavarrias was instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. By his personal valor, significant contribution, and unwavering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Chavarrias reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.