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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 Edwin William Hurst, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea when on 10 March 1942, he flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack against enemy ships, and, as a result of this attack, three enemy ships were sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (Oct 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Edwin William Hurst, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Executive Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. In the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage and opposed by numerous fighters, Lieutenant Hurst pressed home two attacks on enemy aircraft carriers, one on 7 May and one on 8 May. With complete disregard for his own safety and expert conception of the task at hand, he scored hits within short range of his objectives, contributing to the destruction of one carrier and to damage and possible destruction of the other. His persistent determination and conscientious devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.