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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Myron Melton Truax (NSN: 0-390909), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action on during a two-plane search mission in the vicinity of the Island of Okinawa, on 27 March 1945. Ensign Truax sighted an enemy combatant ship and skillfully and courageously pressed home an attack against it in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. His strafing and rocket hits caused serious damage to the enemy vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 83 (AG-83)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Myron Melton Truax (NSN: 0-390909), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 83 (AG-83)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0808 (July 6, 1945)

    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 Ensign Myron Melton Truax (NSN: 0-390909), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), on 4 May 1945, while participating in an aerial flight in the vicinity of the Island of Okinawa, on 4 May 1945. During this flight, Ensign Truax attacked a group of enemy aircraft, which was greatly superior in numbers, and in the action that followed he shot down six of the enemy aircraft. Ensign Truax’ outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.