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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 Lieutenant Bradford Maitland Brooks (NSN: 0-83929), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Ventura Bomber on photographic and bombing missions against Japanese installations on Kiska Island, Territory of Alaska. From 24 June to 15 August 1943, Lieutenant Brooks singly and without support, flew sixteen special missions totaling seventy-two and six-tenth flight hours to obtain low level color photographs of landing beaches and of enemy installations on Kiska Island. Without concern for his own safety and despite heavy anti-aircraft fire which on two occasions struck and damaged his plane, he persisted in his photographic runs climaxing six of them with low level bombing attacks on the positions photographed. The photographs thus hazardously obtained were of great assistance in planning and executing subsequent bombardments by surface ships and aircraft, and extremely valuable in connection with the preparation of plans for the occupation of Kiska by our forces. Lieutenant Brooks’ conduct and actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Patrol-Bombing Squadron 117 (VPB-117)

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1944
    Commander VPB-117: Serial 0184 (February 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Bradford Maitland Brooks (NSN: 0-83929), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane of Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN (VPB-117). Lieutenant Commander Brooks, on 10 December 1944, as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Search Liberator, with fearless determination pressed home the war against the enemies of the United States, causing the destruction of three enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Because he had flown his lone plane on many long, grueling missions deep into enemy territory, often under the most hazardous conditions and in the face of enemy fire, his deep devotion to duty was inspiring. Having destroyed two enemy fighters, though severely wounded he continued to fight until his plane was so badly crippled that it would no longer remain in the air. Then, with his instrument panel shattered, three engines shot out, and the right rudder control useless, he landed without flaps with such superb skill that the lives of the majority of his crew were saved. His actions on this occasion showed the highest degree of professional skill, heroic courage under fire and determined devotion to duty, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.