John Lloyd Phillips, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Lloyd Phillips, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), and deployed over Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces on 26 November 1943. When warnings were received of the approach of a large force of Japanese torpedo bombers, Lieutenant Commander Phillips volunteered to join fighter section of aircraft from his carrier, the first time such a mission had been attempted at night, in order to intercept the attackers. He rendered valiant service in breaking up that phase of the attack and succeeded in shooting down two enemy planes and dispersing the remainder. His fighting spirit in the face of great peril was largely responsible for saving the carrier task group from serious damage. Lieutenant Commander O’Hare’s 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. 330 (September 1944)