The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Curtis Hamilton, 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 in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. He attacked an enemy aircraft carrier and pressed home his attack, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, to within a few hundred yards of his target. His determined and fearless attack resulted in a hit, contributing to the destruction of the carrier and to the victory attained by our forces.
Sponsored by:
Curtis
Weldon L.
Hamilton
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)Action Date:
May 7, 1942
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 14 (June 28, 1942) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
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 Ensign Curtis Hamilton, 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.