Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Marine Gunner Henry Bernard Hamilton (MCSN: 12186), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Gunner of a fighter airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Marine Gunner

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    October 18 & 21, 1942

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01177 (SofN Signed October 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Marine Gunner Henry Bernard Hamilton (MCSN: 12186), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Gunner of a fighter airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomons Islands Area on 18 and 21 October 1942. Taking part in an aerial engagement against the enemy on 18 October, Marine Gunner Hamilton personally destroyed two hostile fighter planes and one heavy bomber. Three days later his flight of eight planes attacked twenty-seven Japanese aircraft and shot down six. His courage, skill, and indomitable fighting spirit were a never-failing source of confidence to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.