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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] Robert Thomas Mahoney, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron ONE (VT-1), Air Group ONE (AG-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Mariana Islands, during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Courageous in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and terrific enemy fighter opposition, Lieutenant Mahoney led his section of torpedo bombers in a bold glide-bombing attack which resulted in at least three hits on a large Japanese aircraft carrier. Although his plane was seriously damaged and his radioman wounded by anti-aircraft fire during this hazardous bombing run, he skillfully succeeded in returning his crippled aircraft to the YORKTOWN after nightfall. Lieutenant Mahoney’s superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 1 (VT-1)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander Air Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 25197 (October 1, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Thomas Mahoney (NSN: 0-130270), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Leader of a Division in Torpedo Squadron ONE (VT-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), during action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 24 July 1945. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from capital ships and shore-based batteries, Lieutenant Mahoney pressed home a daring low-level glide-bombing attack and maneuvered his planes so skillfully that both he and his wingman scored hits on the flight deck of an enemy carrier, severely damaging that vessel. Retiring through the intense fire and adverse weather conditions, he returned safe to base with his division. His courage, airmanship and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Mahoney and the United States Naval Service.