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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Orth (NSN: 0-346994), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Night Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 4 May 1945, while deployed over Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. In the early morning hours before dawn, in the vicinity of his base, Ensign Orth destroyed in rapid succession three large enemy aircraft, whose apparent mission was an attack on his Task Force. In this action, he showed supreme skill in the maneuvering of his plane and the handling of his equipment, and extraordinary courage and determination in pressing his attacks. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign John Orth (NSN: 0-346994), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    April 29, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0752 (July 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign John Orth (NSN: 0-346994), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Night Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 29 April 1945. While flying a night combat air patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Orth intercepted four large enemy aircraft and, in the ensuing engagement, shot down two of the hostile planes, thereby disrupting a possible coordinated enemy attack on our surface forces. His courageous airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign John Orth (NSN: 0-346994), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.