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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Grady Binford Jean (NSN: 0-325905), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Torpedo Squadron NINE (VT-9), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area, 16 February 1945. Flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Jean pressed home damaging attacks on an important Japanese aircraft factory and, when two planes in the formation suffered crippling damage over the target, fought a running battle with enemy fighter craft across eighty miles of the Japanese homeland while flying at a reduced speed in order to protect the impaired planes. His airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 9 (VT-9)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 9 (AG-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0508 (June 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Grady Binford Jean (NSN: 0-325905), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron NINE (VT-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 7 April 1945, while deployed over Kyushu, Japan. Flying by instruments through a solid overcast in a daring torpedo attack against the enemy battleship YAMATO and four screening destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Jean executed a difficult approach and broke through the clouds to press home a perfect torpedo run in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and score a direct hit on the starboard bow near the forward turret of the battleship, thereby contributing materially t o its sinking a few minutes later. Forced to retire under intense anti-aircraft fire from the battleship and her escorting destroyers, he skillfully brought his plane and crew through unscathed. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Jean’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 9 (VT-9)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 9 (AG-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Grady Binford Jean (NSN: 0-325905), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.