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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Marion William Dufilho (NSN: 0-81070), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane during the Solomon Islands Campaign on 24 August 1942. During the air attack by Japanese bombing planes on U.S. Naval forces he flew to intercept the Japanese bombing planes but was fiercely attacked by an overwhelming force of enemy “Zero” type planes. He aided in shooting down the enemy planes until he himself was shot down. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country while aiding materially in demoralizing the enemy air attack. His courage throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 28 (March 2, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Marion William Dufilho (NSN: 0-81070), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and as Section Leader of the Fifth Division, Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Upon sighting a hostile force of eleven dive bombers intent upon raiding our transports and other surface vessels, Lieutenant Dufilho, often pursuing his target through bursting shells of his own anti-aircraft fire, personally shot down two of the planes and damaged a third. By his cool courage and superb airmanship, he contributed materially to the success of our forces in a vigorous attack which destroyed a total of nine Japanese bombers and effectively disrupted the enemy’s plans. The conduct of Lieutenant Dufilho throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.