Albert Peyton Coffin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Albert Peyton Coffin, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TEN (VT-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in combat action against enemy Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 13 to 15 November 1942. Gallantly leading his squadron against a Japanese battleship of the KONGO Class, Lieutenant Coffin launched a skillful and daring attack, and despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and an umbrella of enemy fighters, scored three torpedo hits, which stopped the enemy vessel and prevented it from shelling the aircraft installations of Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. After this brilliant achievement, he again personally led five subsequent attacks on major Japanese forces with highly successful results. Lieutenant Coffin’s outstanding performance of duty and dauntless courage were an inspiration to the officers and men fighting on Guadalcanal, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, South Pacific Forces: Serial 00228 (January 21, 1943)