Dexter Stuart Gilchrest

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Dexter Stuart Gilchrest, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VT-23), embarked from the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Participating in a strike on major units of the Japanese fleet despite adverse weather conditions and hostile antiaircraft fire, Ensign Gilchrest attacked a light cruiser, scoring a direct torpedo hit which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. Ensign Gilchrest’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.