Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945

    Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 033336 (August 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Norman B. Bitzegaio (NSN: 0-383171), 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 SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Ensign Bitzegaio skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a bombing attack against a heavy cruiser and scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to major damage inflicted on the ship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.