Dewitt Wood Shumway

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to DeWitt Wood Shumway, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against Japanese forces on 24 August 1942, in the Eastern Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Commander Shumway’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to DeWitt Wood Shumway, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Acting Commander of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Lieutenant Commander Shumway led his squadron in a vigorous dive-bombing assault against Japanese naval units, in the face of concentrated antiaircraft fire and powerful fighter opposition, and pressed home his attack with courageous aggressiveness and utter disregard for his own personal safety. His capable initiative and inspiring leadership contributed to the high state of combat efficiency which enabled his squadron to score at least five direct hits on an enemy aircraft carrier. Lieutenant Commander Shumway’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.