The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Roger Curtis Crow, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Bomber in Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 24 August 1942. Participating in a vigorous and persistent dive-bombing attack against a Japanese aircraft carrier, Ensign Crow, fighting through a bursting hail of anti-aircraft fire and violent aerial opposition, contributed to the serious damaging of the enemy vessel. Aggressively attacking hostile aircraft during return flight to his own carrier, he shot down three and effectively damaged two. His relentless fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, maintained with complete disregard for his own personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



