John Ellison Muldrow

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Ellison Muldrow, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VPB-108), in action against enemy forces on Japanese-held Marcus Island on 9 May 1945. Flying through extremely hazardous weather to participate in a strike against this enemy stronghold, Lieutenant Hartvig braved intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from enemy gun emplacements and rifle fire which riddled his plane to press home his attack at a minimum altitude. Gallantly fighting his plane, he assisted in the destruction of two grounded enemy planes, strafed and bombed enemy installations with highly damaging results and inflicted severe casualties on hostile troops. His skilled airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit 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.