Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald Wallace McMillan (NSN: 0-112798), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. He skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack on major units of a Task Force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he made a determined attack releasing his torpedo at close range on an enemy aircraft carrier. His skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received