Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Edward Brainard Holley (NSN: 0-112358), 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 TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 24 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. He pressed home his torpedo attack on an enemy battleship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire to score a hit which severely damaged it. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 20 (VT-20)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0363 (April 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Edward Brainard Holley (NSN: 0-112358), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy shipping near Hong Kong, China, on 16 January 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane he pressed home his gliding bombing attack on an enemy cargo ship in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to score a hit. His courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.