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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Loren Edwin Baxter (NSN: 0-363436), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber in the vicinity of Hokkaido, Japan, on 14 July 1945. As a member of a flight of six dive bombers on a strike against an extremely important enemy vessel he made repeated coordinated strafing and bombing attacks. He scored a direct bomb hit on the aft end of the vessel causing severe damage. The vessel sank a few minutes after the attack was concluded. His courage and skill in successfully carrying out a pre-arranged plan of coordinated attack was 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, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 16 (VB-16)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01863 (September 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Loren Edwin Baxter (NSN: 0-363436), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baxter skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack against an enemy battleship. He pressed home his attack despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.