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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Jack Armstrong Derby, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Division Leader of Four Dive Bombers in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Skillfully maneuvering his division during the initial strike despite intense anti-aircraft fire and adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Derby pressed home a determined attack which contributed materially to the infliction of serious damage on a hostile cruiser. His professional ability and devotion to the completion of a perilous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 82 (VB-82)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 360 (February 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Jack Armstrong Derby, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), embarked in U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), over Hachijo Jima, on 16 February 1945.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 82 (VB-82)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    April 16 – 17, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 368 (October 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Jack Armstrong Derby, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), embarked in U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in the vicinity of Tokyo, Japan, from 16 to 17 April 1945.