Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Van
Vernon
Eason
, Jr.
June 27, 1919

–

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 10 (VT-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0247 (July 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Van Vernon Eason, Jr. (NSN: 0-85924), 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 TEN (VT-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands on 20 June 1944. He led a flight of carrier based Torpedo Bombers with great skill and cool judgment through a devastating attack on an enemy carrier. This attack was opposed by enemy fighters and intense anti-aircraft fire from surrounding heavy warships. He scored two direct hits himself and his gunner shot down one attacking enemy plane. A terrific explosion resulted from this attack and the carrier was probably sunk. His outstanding courage and determined 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

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 10 (VT-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03059 (July 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Van Vernon Eason, Jr. (NSN: 0-85924), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in an aerial attack against enemy shipping in Truk Atoll. On 17 February 1944, he led a flight of torpedo bombers from a carrier on a night minimum altitude bombing attack which destroyed and damaged a substantial number of enemy ships. This attack was executed in darkness against ships inside the lagoon in the face of great danger from intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and under exceptionally difficult and hazardous circumstances. His courage, judgment, skill and relentless determination to destroy the enemy contributed greatly to the success of this attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.