Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harry
Bonaparte
Gibbs
June 8, 1920

–

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Harry Bonaparte Gibbs, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7 May and 8 May 1942. As a member of the combat air patrol protecting our forces on the evening of 7 May, Ensign Gibbs assisted in dispersing an enemy Japanese scouting formation harassing our surface forces, shooting down one enemy plane during the action. On 8 May, as part of the fighter escort group, he protected our dive bombers in a successful attack on an enemy Japanese carrier which resulted in the sinking or severe damaging of that vessel. His courage, skill and complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Harry Bonaparte Gibbs, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. While flying combat air patrol over friendly surface ships, Ensign Gibbs engaged in an assault upon a formation of 18 Japanese dive bombers and, by relentless pursuit and expert gunnery, shot down one. Continuing his attack with only a single gun firing, he caused another dive bomber to burst into flames and explode as it struck the sea. Later in the same day, while he was fighting to intercept an aerial torpedo attack upon the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, his plane was so badly damaged that he was forced to make a landing on the water, where he remained all night, partially submerged because of bullet holes in his rubber raft. The outstanding courage and determined skill of Ensign Gibbs were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.