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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lawrence Edward Helmuth (NSN: 0-263772), 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 ELEVEN (VT-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), assigned to attack enemy forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his attack and scored a direct bomb hit upon an enemy battleship. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 11 (VT-11)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01178 (February 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lawrence Edward Helmuth (NSN: 0-263772), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of a carrier based torpedo plane assigned to attack an enemy convoy in the vicinity of French Indo-China on 12 January 1945. Despite adverse weather conditions and in the face of moderate, accurate anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his attack and scored a torpedo hit upon an enemy light cruiser, which sank. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.