Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Ordnanceman First Class

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 40 (VT-40)

    Action Date:

    April 2 – May 7, 1945

    Commander Carrier Division 22: Serial 0277 (August 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Alvin Barnard Kernan (NSN: 3722908), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Nansei Shoto during the period 2 April 1945 through 7 May 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Kernan completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Ordnanceman First Class

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1943

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Alvin Barnard Kernan (NSN: 3722908), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron THREE (VT-3), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), the first night fighter section of aircraft to operate from a carrier at night against enemy aircraft, although he well knew the hazard involved. On the night of 26 November 1943, when the Task Group containing his parent vessel was under threat of imminent attack by Japanese aircraft, off Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, he took off a member of this night fighter section, which with unswerving devotion to duty and extraordinary skill intercepted the largest group of enemy aircraft, thereby effectively breaking up that phase of the attack. His skill and extraordinary heroism contributed to the success of his section and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.