Thomas Martin Bennett

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Martin Bennett, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. Skillfully maneuvering his plane in a dive-bombing attack against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bennett pressed home his attack in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in scoring a direct hit on the target. By his courage and determination in the completion of his mission, he contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His airmanship throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01863 (September 18, 1945)