John Barry Chambers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Barry Chambers, Lieutenant, 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 FIFTEEN (VT-15), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 11 November 1944. Striking against enemy shipping, Lieutenant Chambers braved extremely heavy and accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire to deliver his attack and obtain a torpedo hit on a heavy cruiser, leaving it damaged and in a sinking condition. His courage, expert airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of an important mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0878 (January 11, 1945)