Bernard MAX Strean

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bernard Max Strean, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ONE (VF-1), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. While leading his squadron against the Japanese fleet, he scored a direct bomb hit upon an enemy aircraft carrier. His courage, skill and determination in leading and making the first attack under the most hazardous conditions were so inspirational as to be largely instrumental in the success of an extremely difficult operation. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Commander Strean contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.