Robert Wade

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Wade (0-30908), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. Flying at wingman on combat air patrol, Second Lieutenant Wade and his Section Leader pursued an enemy bomber-type aircraft which led them to a hostile force of approximately twenty-five suicide dive bombers headed for friendly shipping off Okinawa. Undaunted by the formidable array, he alternated with his Section Leader in making repeated runs on the hostile formations and, fighting his plane gallantly, shot down four of the Japanese craft and damaged three others, finally joining his companion in scattering the remnants of the devastated flight. His indomitable fighting spirit, courageous airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 89843 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)