Navy Federal Credit Union

This Navy PB4Y2 aircraft and its crew of ten was shot down by Soviet fighters over the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Liepaya, Latvia. The remains of all ten crewmen remains unaccounted for and they are listed as Missing in Action/Presumed Dead as a result of their peace-time flight.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1950

    All Hands (June 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Joe Henry Danens, Jr. (NSN: 3685438), United States Navy, for outstanding and heroic service in the performance of duty in an aerial flight as a member of the aircrew of a United States Navy Privateer airplane (PB4Y2) during a flight over the Baltic Sea, 8 April 1950. Taking off in an unarmed patrol plane from Wiesbaden, Germany, on 8 April, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Danens participated in a flight over the Baltic Sea. Performing his assigned tasks with courage and skill on this peacetime mission from which his plane failed to return, he rendered outstanding service to the Navy and to his country. His performance of duty under hazardous flight conditions reflects great credit upon Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Danens and upholds the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.