Chester Louis Dillard

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chester Louis Dillard, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber, during action against the Japanese Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Flying at extreme range from base to participate in a daring strike on a hostile aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Dillard fought his plane gallantly against enemy intercepting aircraft, going in low despite the intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and launching a brilliantly executed dive-bombing attack which resulted in the scoring of three direct and two probable hits on the Japanese carrier. With his fuel exhausted, he succeeded in making a safe water landing at night and was rescued by a friendly destroyer. His great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit in the fulfillment of an exceptionally hazardous and vital mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Dillard and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0439 (August 20, 1944)