Norman B. Bitzegato

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Norman B. Bitzegato (0-383171), Ensign, 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 SIX (VT-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Ensign Bitzegato skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a bombing attack against a heavy cruiser and scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to major damage inflicted on the ship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 033336 (August 10, 1945)