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 Donald Page (NSN: 0-337044), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto, the Nanpo Shoto and over the Japanese Homeland. As a pilot of a carrier based Torpedo Bomber during the period 10 February 1945 to 6 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage 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, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 9 (VT-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0508 (June 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Donald Page (NSN: 0-337044), 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 NINE (VT-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Flying by instruments through a heavy overcast in an attack against a hostile light cruiser and screening destroyer, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Page dived through a cone of intense anti-aircraft fire to carry out his attack to point-blank range and, when his torpedo failed to release, made a second run against the maneuvering destroyer and scored a direct hit which left the vessel dead in the water. By his superior airmanship and gallant fighting spirit, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Page upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.