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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 Harry Franklin Hynd (NSN: 0-158293), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Courageously leading his Division through heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and strategically-placed shore batteries, Lieutenant Hynd pressed home a determined bombing attack on a heavy cruiser and, despite serious damage to his plane from enemy fire which necessitated a water landing, scored one of three direct hits obtained by his division on the enemy warship. Lieutenant Hynd’s gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1945
    Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01680 (September 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Harry Franklin Hynd (NSN: 0-158293), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Otaru Harbor, Hokkaido, Japan, on 15 July 1945. Attacking enemy shipping from an extremely low level despite adverse weather conditions and a blanket of anti-aircraft fire from shore and ship-based guns which prevented other planes from attacking, Lieutenant Hynd flew through the barrage and scored two bomb hits on a medium-sized cargo ship which was seen to sink. Circling the target in the face of anti-aircraft fire, he completed another attack which set fire to a small freighter. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.