Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Burton L. Bardeen (NSN: 0-116792), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the first operations against the enemy in the Tokyo Area, Japan, by carrier-based aircraft. On 16 February 1945, he was leader of a photographic reconnaissance division over this area. Despite adverse weather conditions, and enemy fighter attacks, which prevented him from carrying out his mission as originally planned, he took photographs of three target airfields in this area. While actually taking photographs he was attacked by enemy fighter aircraft. He maneuvered his division so skillfully that he and his wingman shot down one enemy fighter in flames and drove the others away with no loss or damage to themselves. He personally shot down another enemy aircraft in flames while proceeding inland to another target. His skill and courage, while engaged in photo reconnaissance, contributed greatly to the success of the mission and 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

    Batallion:

    Photographic Squadron

    Division:

    U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)

    Action Date:

    May 13 & 14, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0518 (July 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Burton L. Bardeen (NSN: 0-116792), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot and Division Leader of a carrier-based Photographic Team Plane attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action on 13 and 14 May 1945, during the Fleet action against Kyushu, Japan. Lieutenant Bardeen consistently obtained full coverage of targets assigned with unusual skill and ability. Airborne with his division over hostile territory eight hours of each day and subjected to enemy anti-aircraft fire as most of the seventeen defended airfields and industrial targets which he visited, he succeeded in acquiring photographic imagery vital to the conduct of the campaign against the area, enabling interpretation and assessment that would have been otherwise impossible. On 14 May 1945, he led his division in assuming station as rescue combat air patrol over a pilot and his aircrewmen downed in the Inland Sea of the home Empire, and remained on station until relieved by a special patrol dispatched for that purpose. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire he directed and led his division in a strafing attack against two enemy destroyers which were approaching the survivors under his protection, thereby diverting their course. Upon his relief he continued on his original mission and obtained the remaining photographic coverage desired. Lieutenant Bardeen’s leadership, skill, and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Burton L. Bardeen (NSN: 0-116792), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot and section leader attached to a fighter squadron assigned to escort a bomber strike against Japanese shipping in Rabaul Harbor, New Britain, on 11 November 1943. Shortly after taking off for this mission, Lieutenant Bardeen and his section were ordered to intercept a force of Japanese planes approaching for an attack upon the task force. In the ensuing engagement, despite an intense anti-aircraft barrage from our own ships through which he was forced to fly, he destroyed two of the attacking planes and shared in the destruction of a third. His superior airmanship and devotion to duty contributed materially to the defense of the task force, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)

    Action Date:

    February 16 – May 18, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Burton L. Bardeen (NSN: 0-116792), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Japanese Empire and adjacent Island Chains. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February 1945 to 18 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping and ground installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.