Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Norman K. Brady (NSN: 0-83214), United States Naval Reserves, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession serving as a Patrol Plane Commander on 6 June 1942 during rescue operations for survivors after the Battle of Midway. A plane had been reported shot down at a point 350 miles from Midway. He was ordered to locate and rescue survivors. Upon arrival at the point where the action had taken place he found nothing. By skillfully studying the weather conditions and correctly estimating the drift, he proceeded in the right direction nearly 100 miles and located a rubber lifeboat and five occupants. Although a very high sea was running he successfully landed the heavily loaded plane and rescued the five men. Then he successfully took off, although the sea was so rough that it bashed the bow and knocked out the bombing window. This operation was carried out successfully despite the fact that he had flown long hours before and after the Battle of Midway. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.