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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander DeWitt Wood Shumway (NSN: 0-71403), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Squadron Commander of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during the operations of the U.S. Naval forces against a Japanese Naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands area on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and air opposition, he led his squadron in a dive bombing attack with precision, vigor and heroic determination. In so doing he contributed to an extraordinary measure to the glorious destruction of a Japanese aircraft carrier.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander DeWitt Wood Shumway (NSN: 0-71403), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession, as Squadron Commander Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), embarked in the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during operations of the U.S. Naval forces against the Japanese occupied Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. He led his squadron in three determined and effective dive bombing and strafing attacks against enemy land installations and troop concentrations, thereby assisting in completely silencing enemy opposition and assuring the success of our landing operations without undue casualties. In so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the successful and glorious invasion of our forces in that area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 3013 (July 16, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander DeWitt Wood Shumway (NSN: 0-71403), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Acting Commander of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shumway led his squadron in a vigorous dive-bombing assault against Japanese naval units, in the face of concentrated anti-aircraft fire and powerful fighter opposition, and pressed home his attack with courageous aggressiveness and utter disregard for his own personal safety. His capable initiative and inspiring leadership contributed to the high state of combat efficiency which enabled his squadron to score at least five direct hits on an enemy aircraft carrier. Lieutenant Commander Shumway’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.