The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John N. Ammen, Jr. (NSN: 0-99935), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in an attack on an enemy aircraft carrier during the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. This attack, pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulted in sinking of the carrier. Ensign Ammen’s gallant conduct greatly contributed to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 5 (VB-5)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)Action Date:
June 4 & 5, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John N. Ammen, Jr. (NSN: 0-99935), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a patrol plane during the operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine forces on Midway Island against the invading Japanese fleet on 4 and 5 June 1942. On the night of 3 – 4 June 1942, his plane successfully located the enemy at a distance of 560 miles from the base and attacked with torpedoes from close range. This attack was a definite contribution to the ultimate defeat of the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.