Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman First Class

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Seaman First Class Edward V. Cosgrove, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat as radioman/gunner of a Torpedo Plane in action against enemy forces in the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. While subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire, he participated in attacks on Japanese aircraft carriers. Due to skillful and effective countermeasures against enemy fighters attacking his squadron, two enemy fighter planes were shot down and destroyed by rear seat gunfire. These actions and the scoring of a hit on an enemy aircraft carrier on 8 May, which contributed to the probablye destruction of that vessel, were vital factors in the success attained by our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea.