The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stewart Bass (NSN: 0-31559), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the Tokyo area on 16 February 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane, he dived through the intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to score direct hits on an important Japanese aircraft factory, causing extensive damage. Over the target, two planes in the formation were crippled, and the entire flight thereby was forced to proceed at reduced speed, while staving off aggressive enemy fighter attacks in a running battle fought across 80 miles of the Japanese homeland. His courage under fire and his superior airmanship were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 9 (VT-9)Action Date:
February 10 – May 10, 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, Junior Grade Stewart Bass (NSN: 0-31559), 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 pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber during the period 10 February 1945 through 10 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and 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.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 9 (VT-9)Regiment:
Air Group 9 (AG-9)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)Action Date:
April 7, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0508 (June 26, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stewart Bass (NSN: 0-31559), 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 on 7 April 1945, in operations against major units of the Japanese fleet off Kyushu, Japan. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bass participated in a difficult and daring attack which sank a Japanese light cruiser. Flying by instruments through a heavy overcast, he broke through the clouds only to be caught in a cone of intense anti-aircraft fire. Notwithstanding, he pressed home his attack to point-blank range and scored one of the five direct hits which caused the vessel to roll over and sink a minute later. While retiring, his plane was subjected to continued and intense anti-aircraft fire from the cruiser and an escorting destroyer, but by superior airmanship, he brought his plane and crew through unscathed. His skill, daring, and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.