Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Clinton Burrus (NSN: 0-145420), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy warships on 19 March 1945. Despite intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he placed one bomb hit on the bow of an enemy escort carrier anchored in the harbor of Kobe, Honshu, Japan. The carrier was burning at bow and stern when our forces retired. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01680 (September 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John Clinton Burrus (NSN: 0-145420), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Courageously leading his division through heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and strategically-placed shore batteries, Lieutenant Burrus pressed home a determined bombing attack on a large aircraft carrier and scored one of two direct hits obtained by his division on the enemy warship. Lieutenant Burrus’ gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.