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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard Earl Britson (NSN: 0-98669), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based fighter against the enemy at Hachijo Jima on 16 February 1945. He participated in a coordinated attack against military installations and then attacked a 4,500-ton merchant ship in the anchorage. Under extremely adverse weather conditions and intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack, securing six hits amidships and was seen to sink. His courage, skill and initiative were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard Earl Britson (NSN: 0-98669), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa Jima on 6 April 1945. He shot down two enemy planes in aerial combat which were approaching to attack our surface forces. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    February 16 – April 21, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard Earl Britson (NSN: 0-98669), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the Tokyo Area, Iwo Jima, Nansei Shoto and Kyushu. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter during the period 16 February 1945 to 21 April 1943, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 82 (VF-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Earl Britson (NSN: 0-98669), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet and against Naval installations in the Japanese Inland Sea, on 19 March 1945. Escorting bomber and torpedo aircraft in a coordinated strike on the target, Lieutenant Britson pressed home a determined bombing and strafing attack on an enemy battleship and accompanying destroyers and, scoring a direct hit, seriously damaged the battleship. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.