The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward Duran Mattson (NSN: 0-82774), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the enemy from 5 to 8 May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea. In company with three other fighters on 5 May, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mattson participated in a prompt and resolute attack against an enemy four-engine patrol bomber with the result that the bomber was quickly shot down and the detection of our forces by the enemy was prevented. On 7 May, as part of a fighter escort, he provided protection from enemy aircraft for our scout bombers throughout their attack on an enemy Japanese carrier in the Coral Sea, enabling our forces to successfully attack and sink that vessel. Again, while on combat air patrol protecting our own forces in the Coral Sea on 8 May, he braved punishing machine gun and cannon fire to press home an aggressive attack against four enemy fighters attacking our forces and succeeded in dispersing them. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mattson’s conduct throughout these engagements was marked by skill, determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety.

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 Edward Duran Mattson (NSN: 0-82774), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. While flying combat patrol over our surface ships, Lieutenant Mattson led his wingman in aggressive attacks against a large formation of Japanese dive bombers and fighters. Although coming under fire of an enemy fighter, he pressed home his attack with courageous skill and determination until he succeeded in shooting down one Japanese dive bomber, thereby contributing greatly to the frustration of the enemy’s offensive. His gallant initiative and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.