The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Harry Francis Akroyd (MCSN: 521722), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Gunner of a Torpedo Bomber Plane in Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 28 March to 8 April 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Sergeant Akroyd rendered valuable assistance to his pilot in furnishing support for friendly ground forces and aided in pressing home bombing and strafing attacks on Japanese supply areas and installations, thereby contributing materially to the success of his plane in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His skill and courageous devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Private First ClassBatallion:
Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron 232Action Date:
December 23, 1943 – January 2, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Private First Class Harry Francis Akroyd (MCSN: 521722), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Gunner of a Torpedo Bomber Plane in Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 23 December 1943 to 2 January 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Private First Class Akroyd rendered valuable assistance to his pilot in pressing home bombing and strafing attacks against hostile gun positions and other installations, thereby contributing materially to the success of his plane in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His skill and courageous devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.