Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1978

    Board Serial 09B19/122034 (March 28, 1979)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Jerry C. Grigsby, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane and Mission Commander of a P3C (U) aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron NINE Detachment Adak, Alaska on 26 October 1978. While conducting a routine maritime patrol in the North Pacific Ocean, Lieutenant Commander Grigsby’s aircraft experienced a catastrophic propeller failure which ultimately left him with no choice but to ditch the aircraft under the most adverse conditions of weather, sea state, and aircraft configuration. Exercising outstanding leadership and airmanship, he prepared his crew and aircraft for water entry and was able to expertly land the aircraft on the water in the face of gale force winds, reduced visibility, and fifteen to twenty foot seas. Once in the water and with complete disregard for his own safety, he positioned himself on top of the rapidly sinking aircraft to direct the evacuation of his crew members. Lieutenant Commander Grigsby’s heroic actions both in the air and in the water were responsible for thirteen of his fourteen crewmen reaching life rafts and eventual recovery by a surface vessel. By his extraordinary airman skill, selfless bravery, and tenacious dedication to his crew in the face of extreme personal danger and supreme sacrifice, Lieutenant Commander Grigsby reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.