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, including Swann, as well as three others, received Navy Crosses. Alonzo Swann’s Navy Cross was approved by the Secretary of the Navy on January 15, 1993.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Steward’s Mate First ClassDivision:
U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)Action Date:
October 29, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Steward’s Mate First Class Alonzo Alexander Swann, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a Petty Officer 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 Swann 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 Swann was instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. By his personal valor, significant contribution, and unwavering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Swan reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.