Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Fremont
Harrison
Baxter
April 21, 1918

–

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Composite Squadron 37 (VC-37)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sangamon (CVE-26)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0815 (February 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Fremont Harrison Baxter (NSN: 0-130029), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Bomber in Composite Squadron THIRTY-SEVEN (VC-37), attached to the U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), in operations against superior enemy surface units threatening our forces in near Samar in the Philippine Islands during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. After scoring a torpedo hit on an enemy heavy cruiser east of Samar Island, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baxter obtained vital tactical information on the enemy force and delivered it to the officer in tactical command. He then led an attack on another enemy heavy cruiser north of Samar and inflicted two damaging hits. These actins were carried out in a conspicuously heroic manner. By pressing home these aggressive attacks in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire with perseverance, skill and courage, his actions were greatly instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. His outstanding conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    July 29 – September 26, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Fremont Harrison Baxter (NSN: 0-130029), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 29 July to 26 September 1944. Lieutenant Baxter completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.