Navy Federal Credit Union

All twelve pilots of Torpedo Squadron 3 who fought at Midway received the Navy Cross. Ten of the twelve were Missing in Action.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Carl August Osberg (NSN: 0-99914), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE (VT-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Osberg, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. He gallantly gave his life for his country.