Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George Glenn Estes (NSN: 0-105363), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy ‘Dauntless’ Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TEN (VS-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), on 25 August 1942, on anti-submarine patrol in the Solomon Islands Area on 25 August 1942. With alert and courageous devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Estes, having sighted an enemy submarine, boldly delivered a dangerously low-altitude attack with bomb and guns, sinking the enemy vessel and in so doing, he contributed in a large measure to the security of our forces. His flying skill and exemplary fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942
    Commander, Air Forces Pacific: Serial 0851 (August 7, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] George Glenn Estes (NSN: 0-105363), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TEN (VS-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Santa Cruz, on 26 October 1942. Undaunted by powerful aerial opposition, Lieutenant Commander Estes launched an attack against a hostile battleship and, pressing home his attack with courage and skill, contributed in large measure to the success of his flight in scoring two direct hits and a near-miss on the Japanese Man-O’-War. His initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.