The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Weldon Lee Hamilton (NSN: 0-62053), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-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 on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Hamilton led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking or crippling three of them. Lieutenant Commander Hamilton’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Commander Weldon Lee Hamilton (NSN: 0-62053), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-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 May 1942. He led his squadron in a dive bombing attack against an enemy disposition. In this attack, made in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and opposed by enemy fighters, he dropped his 1,000 pound bomb on the deck of an enemy carrier. The success of the attack by his squadron attested to the high state of combat efficiency developed under his leadership and inspiring example.