George Kenneth Morris

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Kenneth Morris, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane of Patrol Squadron NINETY-TWO (VP-92), during an attack against an enemy submarine off the West Coast of Africa on 6 July 1943. Sighting a surfaced hostile submarine fifteen miles ahead of a convoy while flying protective cover, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Morris promptly maneuvered to favorable attack position and, diving to perilously low altitude in bold defiance of the enemy’s withering antiaircraft fire, relentlessly pressed home an effective bombing and strafing attack. With his craft seriously damaged by the fierce barrage and all but one of his crew wounded, he steadfastly remained in the area and, although suffering intense pain from his own wounds, protected the convoy from further attack until relief arrived more than two hours later, then skillfully flew his crippled plane back to base. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Morris’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)