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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Burton Bain (NSN: 0-104351), 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 TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. With accurate understanding of his objective and bold perseverance in attaining it, Ensign Bain destroyed one Japanese fighter plane and courageously attacked several others. His high devotion to duty in the performance of a dangerous and difficult task contributed measurably to the defense of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 19 (July 20, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign John Burton Bain (NSN: 0-104351), 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 THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942 during the “Air Battle of Midway.” Ensign Bain was inadvertently separated from his section leader during the course of an initial assault against a large number of Japanese fighters. Nevertheless he pressed home six more consecutive attacks against numerically superior enemy fighters, shooting one down in flames and damaging or driving off the others. His gallant initiative and persistent devotion to duty, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.