Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Carter L. Wilson, Jr. (NSN: 0-125818), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Torpedo Plane during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Palau Island, 30 and 31 March 1944. Participating in two bombing missions, and effectively delivering two attacks which resulted in the confirmed sinking of one ship and major damage to a second, Lieutenant Wilson also took part in a mining laying mission in which he accurately placed a mine in the main harbor entrance, thereby assisting in the effective blocking of that channel. His airmanship, courage and 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

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 94 (VT-94)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01983 (October 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Carter L. Wilson, Jr. (NSN: 0-125818), 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 NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against the enemy at the important fleet anchorage near Kure, Honshu, on 28 July 1945. As Strike Leader of a Carrier Based Air Group, Lieutenant Wilson led two divisions of torpedo bomber planes in a bombing strike against gun installations and capital ships in the harbor at Kure Naval Base, Honshu, Japan. In the face of heavy, intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire, which struck his plane leaving a hole in the fuselage and tail, he led the group which effectively obtained two direct hits and two near misses on the Japanese cruiser AOBA. His disregard for personal safety and determination to inflict damage upon the enemy in the execution of this mission were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.