James Taylor Crawford

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to James Taylor Crawford, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VB-83), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet anchored in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Flying as the Squadron Leader of the flight of dive bombers, Lieutenant Commander Crawford skillfully and courageously directed a highly coordinated bombing attack on the Japanese battleship NAGATO. Braving intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from both ship and shore batteries, he maneuvered his plane for maximum striking power and, pressing home his own attack, scored a direct bomb hit and severely damaged the hostile warship. His superb airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01692 (September 1, 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Taylor Crawford, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], 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 EIGHTY-THREE (VB-83), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against Japanese forces during an attack on units of the hostile Fleet at anchor in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Although severely wounded by anti-aircraft fire before reaching the attack position, Lieutenant Commander Crawford courageously led his division to a vantage point from which a successful attack on major units of the enemy Fleet was launched in the face of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, resulting in direct hits on an enemy carrier, an escort carrier and a battleship. After leading his division to successful retirement and safe return, he reported his own injury. By his outstanding airmanship, and aggressive fighting spirit, Lieutenant Commander Crawford contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0481 (April 30, 1945)