James Mini graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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James Mini graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander James Haile Mini, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the whole enemy formation, under extremely hazardous combat conditions, Commander Mini led his squadron in a bombing attack on the Japanese battleship Nagato. Fearlessly maneuvering through withering hostile fire of all calibers, he pressed home his attack and, by his expert airmanship, obtained a direct hit which caused certain damage. Commander Mini’s intrepid leadership, outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.