Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Melvin
Henry
Georgius
MIA (WWII) KIA
July 31, 1917

–

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Chief Aviation Pilot Georgius was subsequently lost in a later air mission, and was declared Missing In Action on March 29, 1945.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Chief Ordnanceman

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Melvin Henry Georgius (NSN: 0-168172), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Aviation Pilot

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (Oct 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Aviation Pilot Melvin Henry Georgius (NSN: 0-168172), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, Chief Aviation Pilot Georgius pressed home an attack against an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier to within the perilously short range of a few hundred yards of his target. By complete disregard of his own personal safety and resolute purpose in carrying out his mission, he was able to score a hit on the enemy carrier, thereby contributing to the destruction of that vessel and to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Chief Aviation Pilot Georgius’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship 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:

    Aviation Chief Ordnanceman

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Melvin Henry Georgius (NSN: 0-168172), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea when on 10 March 1942, he flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack against enemy ships, and, as a result of this attack, three enemy ships were sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.