Alex N. Mcinnis, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Alex N. McInnis, Jr., Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane Airplane in Patrol Squadron FIFTY-TWO (VP-52), in action against the enemy from 25 November 1943 to 23 December 1943, while deployed over the Bismarck Islands. During this period Lieutenant McInnis led his PBY Catalina on night missions against enemy combatants and convoys in the Bismarck Archipelago during extremely adverse and hazardous weather conditions. He successfully carried out a low-altitude attack on a large merchant vessel during which, despite heavy antiaircraft fire, he was able to drop his thousand-pound bomb on the merchant ship, leaving it in flames and still burning three hours after the attack. Lieutenant McInnis’ outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.