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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 [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] John Freeman Forsyth, 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 EIGHTEEN (VB-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 25 October 1944. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire to press home an attack upon his assigned target, Lieutenant Forsyth dropped his bomb load squarely on a large enemy carrier and contributed materially to the annihilation of a hostile Task force. By his outstanding ability an as airman and courageous fighting spirit, he aided in removing a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippines, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 18 (VB-18)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0533 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] John Freeman Forsyth, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 24 October 1944. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire to press home a dive-bombing attack, Lieutenant Forsyth succeeded in scoring a possible damaging hit on an enemy battleship, thereby contributing to the success of his Squadron. His outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 18 (VB-18)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 18

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    September 24, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 361 (March 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant John Freeman Forsyth, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB-18), Air Group EIGHTEEN, embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), over the Philippine Islands area on 24 September 1944.