Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 94 (VF-94)

    Action Date:

    July 17 – 28, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Lawson Humbert Baylies (NSN: 0-145787), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Tokyo, Northern Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter photographic reconnaissance plane during the period 17 July 1945 through 28 July 1945, he participated in five photographic missions and succeeded in obtaining excellent photographs of the enemy’s ground installations and well dispersed aircraft at Shibetsu, Hyakurigahara, Hamematsu, Mikatagahara, Oi, Fuji, Tenryu, Utsonomiya, Utsonomiya South, Nasuno and Kanemaru Airfields. These missions were carried out in spite of accurate anti-aircraft fire of all types and extra hazardous weather conditions. In spite of these obstacles, he never once failed to accomplish his mission, many times having to make extremely hazardous low altitude photographic runs in the face of the enemy’s anti-aircraft fire. The photographs obtained during these flights permitted our forces to seek out and destroy ground installations and aircraft of the enemy with outstanding success. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.