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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 Jesse Metcalf Bristow (NSN: 0-156763), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy over Chichi Jima, Iwo Jima, Kyushu, and Nansei Shoto. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber during the period 18 February 1945 to 27 April 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.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0510 (May 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jesse Metcalf Bristow (NSN: 0-156763), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in an attack on an enemy task force comprised of a battleship, cruisers and destroyers in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bristow dove on the battleship through extremely intense anti-aircraft fire, and scored a direct hit with his bomb, contributing materially to the sinking of the vessel as a result of the attack. His 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, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jesse Metcalf Bristow (NSN: 0-156763), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 24 March 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber he took part in an attack on an enemy convoy of seven ships in the East China Sea. Low clouds in the area necessitated attack from a minimum altitude. Despite damage to his plane from anti-aircraft fire and strafing as he approached, he released his bomb on his target, a large enemy merchantman, from an altitude of 200 feet, scoring a direct hit on the ship. The vessel was sunk, as were the others, as a result of the attack. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.