Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Glenn Wilder Denham, 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 TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during search and attack operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 and 25 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Denham braved withering anti-aircraft fire to launch a devastating rocket attack on Japanese Fleet units and inflict extensive damage on a hostile destroyer and, continuing his bold tactics the following day, succeeded in scoring a smashing bomb hit on a Japanese battleship. His superb skill as an airman, resolute fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Denham and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received