Donald August Johan Boese

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald August Johan Boese (0-354687), Ensign, 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 EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81), embarked from the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in an attack against a major unit of the enemy fleet in the Tokyo Bay Area, on 17 February 1945. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Boese skillfully and courageously conducted his aircraft in a fighter-bomber attack against an enemy aircraft carrier, scoring a direct bomb hit which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0218 (March 20, 1945)