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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander MacGregor Kilpatrick, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), and as Squadron Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during a Japanese aerial attack which seriously damaged that vessel as she prepared to strike at the Japanese mainland in the vicinity of Kobe, on 19 March 1945. When his ship was damaged by enemy aircraft and suffered subsequent internal explosions of ready bombs, rockets and ammunition, Lieutenant Commander Kilpatrick led parties of men in continuous and valiant fire fighting, jettisoning shells in enclosed mounts and flooding ready service magazines until forced by a superior officer to leave the ship with his squadron. His gallantry and devotion to duty contributed materially to the saving of the ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 320 (November 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant MacGregor Kilpatrick, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while on a combat patrol over the U.S.S. CHICAGO (CA-29), on 30 January 1943. East of Rennel Island, Lieutenant Kilpatrick intercepted a force of twelve Japanese torpedo bombers which were preparing to raid the cruiser. In the ensuing engagement, he shot down two Japanese planes before they could release their torpedoes.