Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241)

    Regiment:

    Battle of Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4 & 5, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Private Henry Irwin Starks (MCSN: 324422), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Radioman-Gunner in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), during the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1945. In a determined attack against the invading Japanese Fleet, Private Starks, serving as rear-seat free machine-gunner, maintained fire in the face of overwhelming enemy fighter opposition and fierce anti-aircraft barrage. Because of circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.