Tom Bruce Bash

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Tom Bruce Bash (0-83383), 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 TWO (VT-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 8 May 1942, in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire and concerted enemy fighter opposition, Ensign Bash closed to within a few hundred yards of the target to execute a fearless and determined attack. Scoring a hit on an enemy aircraft carrier, he thereby contributed to the severe damage and probable destruction of the vessel and aided materially in the success of the operation. Ensign Bash’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 2885 (July 7, 1942)