The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Chandler Waterman Swanson (NSN: 0-79005), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against Japanese forces on 7 and 8 May 1942, during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. Lieutenant Swanson participated in a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier, pressing home his attack with skill and determination, and contributed materially to the destruction of the enemy vessel. As a member of a combat patrol he repeatedly attacked with great determination and attacked enemy planes in the face of heavy enemy fighter opposition. In this action his rear seat gunner was killed and his plane was damaged considerably. Lieutenant Swanson’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Commander Chandler Waterman Swanson (NSN: 0-79005), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VT-84), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during an attack against the Japanese Battleship Yamato off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Displaying great skill and courage, Lieutenant Commander Swanson led his flight of fourteen torpedo bombers in a torpedo attack on an enemy battleship which was the principal target in the enemy force. In spite of extremely adverse weather, by effective use of special search equipment in his plane he placed his flight in excellent position to make a perfectly coordinated torpedo attack on the battleship. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire concentrated on them his flight under his brilliant leadership pressed home from close range the torpedo attack, their first against a major enemy Fleet unit. At least nine torpedo hits were scored on the battleship by his flight, which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the ship. His brilliant leadership, and disregard of personal safety during the attack were inspiring. His courage and skill contributed greatly to the success of the mission and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.