Don Dexter Lurvey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Don Dexter Lurvey, Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Gunner of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VP-101), Patrol Wing TEN (PatWing-10), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces located near Jolo, in the Philippine Islands, on the morning of 27 December 1941. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Lurvey saved his co-pilot from drowning after their airplane crashed into the sea. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)