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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis “R” Ferry, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire and adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ferry pressed home a determined attack against a hostile battleship (YAMAMOTO) at the center of the force and, succeeding in scoring a direct bomb hit, contributed materially to the infliction of damage and subsequent sinking of the Japanese ship. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 82 (VB-82)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 82 (AG-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis “R” Ferry, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Japanese Inland Sea near the Naval Base at Kure, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Participating in a strike against a new enemy battleship and its screening force of destroyers and cruisers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ferry braved intense anti-aircraft fire from the hostile force and surrounding shore batteries to press home a determined strike and, by his courage and skill, contributed to the infliction of damage on the Japanese vessel. His outstanding airmanship and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.