Howard F. Mears

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Howard F. Mears, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Bomber Airplane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIX (VPB-106), in action on 1 June 1945, over Singapore. On that date Lieutenant Commander Mears was leading a two-plane section to obtain vitally important reconnaissance photos of the shipping in Singapore Harbor. Engaged by enemy fighters over the harbor, Lieutenant Commander Mears and his crew were shot down. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.