Henry B. Hamilton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Henry B. Hamilton (0-12186), Marine Gunner, U.S. 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.

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