Davis Elliott Chaffee

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Davis Elliott Chaffee (0-104298), Ensign, 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 FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. Ensign Chaffee attacked an enemy aircraft carrier and pressed home his attack, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, to within a few hundred yards of his target. His determined and fearless attack resulted in a hit, contributing to the damage and probable destruction of the carrier and to the victory attained by our forces. Ensign Chaffee’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (December 1942)