John Davis Wingfield

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Davis Wingfield, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, Ensign Wingfield made a bold and persistent dive-bombing attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier. When his bomb failed to release during his initial dive on the enemy craft, he returned to the scene of the attack without protection or support to continue his mission, which contributed materially to the destruction of that vessel. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (December 1942)