Omer John Donahoe

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Omer John Donahoe, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet and against Naval installations in the Japanese Inland Sea, on 19 March 1945. During a bombing and strafing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Donahoe shot down a hostile fighter aircraft and, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, scored a direct hit which seriously damaged the flight deck of the hostile warship. His kill, courage and devotion to the completion of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)