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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Henry Brett, Jr. (NSN: 0-62017), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-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 Commander Brett led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home a successful attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire against enemy ships, sinking three of them. Lieutenant Commander Brett’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty 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:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 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 Commander James Henry Brett, Jr. (NSN: 0-62017), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-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 and 8 May 1942. In the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and opposed by numerous fighters, Lieutenant Commander Brett led his squadron to within extremely close range of the objective and delivered two highly successful attacks, destroying one enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and causing the probable destruction of another. Lieutenant Commander Brett’s capable, determined leadership and the skill and efficiency displayed by his squadron were decisive contributions to the ultimate victory of our forces in this battle. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.