The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Joseph Louis Baruzzini (NSN: 0-363316), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on a strike against enemy warships in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. As pilot of a Torpedo Bomber he pressed home his attack in the face of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and scored damaging near misses on a Japanese battleship. The determination and skill with which he carried out his attack contributed materially to the success of the attack which resulted in the sinking of the enemy battleship. His bravery and determination in pressing home the attack were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 87 (VT-87)Division:
U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CV-14)Action Date:
July 28, 1945
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01896 (September 22, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Joseph Louis Baruzzini (NSN: 0-363316), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kure Area of the Inland Sea of Japan, on 28 July 1945. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire from the enemy warships and shore batteries, Ensign Baruzzini executed a bold glide-bombing attack against the Japanese cruiser TONE to score a direct hit on the enemy vessel and contribute materially to the success of his squadron in beaching it. His expert airmanship, indomitable spirit and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baruzzini and the United States Naval Service.