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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Frederic Leeson Bates, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as leader of a section of scout bombers in the successful aerial action against Japanese naval forces on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. Though under prolonged attack by enemy fighters, Lieutenant Bates led his section of planes to press home the attack, and personally scored a direct hit on a Japanese aircraft carrier. His utter disregard for personal safety, his courage, and tenacity contributed greatly to the heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)

    Action Date:

    June 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 Frederic Leeson Bates, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHT (VB-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the “Air Battle of Midway,” on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Bates participated in determined and effective bombing and strafing attacks on fleeing enemy Japanese forces, obtaining a successful hit on one of the enemy ships. His airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.