The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Martin McDowell, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Scouting Plane in action against enemy forces in the Battle of Midway, on 6 June 1942. Participating in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McDowell maintained calm and courageous conduct while carrying on in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. His grim fortitude and uncompromising devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective contributed materially to the victory achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 5 (VB-5)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)Action Date:
May 4, 7 & 8, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Martin McDowell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McDowell’s conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.