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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Harry Brinkley Bass (NSN: 0-81320), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as pilot of a Navy Fighter plane of Escort Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), attached to the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 November to 11 November 1942. Lieutenant Bass, as acting Squadron Leader, distinguished himself on 10 November 1942, when he led a three plane attack on a hostile airfield. This attack resulted in the destruction of six hostile planes and damage to four others. On other occasions Lieutenant Bass skillfully led attacks against hostile gun emplacements, aircraft, and truck columns which resulted in extensive destruction of hostile planes, trucks, and equipment. The skill, coolness under fire, and expert leadership displayed by Lieutenant Bass in the attacks mentioned above, in which nineteen airplanes and fourteen trucks were destroyed, and two 75-mm. guns silenced, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 2 (VB-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 13 (June 29, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry Brinkley Bass (NSN: 0-81320), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bass, leading a flight of his squadron, dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and released his bomb with calm accuracy. By grim determination and expert appraisal of his objective, he contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his particular squadron and assisted in ultimate destruction of the enemy carrier. His individual action was an important factor in the collective success of those United States Naval forces which engaged in the enemy in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bass’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 74 (VF-74)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kasaan Bay (CVE-69)

    Action Date:

    August 1944
    Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5520 (October 31, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Harry Brinkley Bass (NSN: 0-81320), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-FOUR (VF-74), based on the U.S.S. KASAAN BAY (VF-74), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Lieutenant Commander Bass was the leader of a flight of planes which on several occasions conducted with great skill and daring, armed reconnaissance missions deep into enemy territory. He repeatedly and with fearless determination carried out low level strafing attacks on troop concentrations, motorized convoys and strong points which seriously disrupted the advance of our ground forces. In addition, Lieutenant Commander Bass, on one instance initiated an attack on an enemy aircraft resulting in its almost instantaneous destruction. The persistent and skillful execution of his missions in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire was strongly instrumental in the acquisition of valuable information relative to enemy movements and concentrations, which was utilized to great advantage in the disposition and conduct of offensive operations by the Allied Armies. The skillful and courageous leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Bass were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 2 (VB-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 6 (April 13, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry Brinkley Bass (NSN: 0-81320), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Bass pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking one of them. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bass’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.