Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Composite Observation Squadron 1 (VOC-1)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Wake Island

    Action Date:

    January 3 – March 10, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Homer Bethea (NSN: 0-337244), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against enemy forces within the period 3 January to 10 March 1945, during the invasion of Luzon, Philippine Islands and during the occupation of Iwo Jima, Empire of Japan. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    February 16 – March 10, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Homer Bethea (NSN: 0-337244), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in twenty aerial strikes against enemy forces within the period 16 February to 10 March 1945, during the invasion of Iwo Jima, Empire of Japan. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.