Elbert Scott Mccuskey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Elbert Scott McCuskey, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, 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 THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. The outstanding courage and determined skill displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McCuskey were at all times inspiring and 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 Elbert Scott McCuskey, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, 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 FORTY-TWO (VF-42), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McCuskey made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McCuskey showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.