Edward Emmet Degarmo

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward Emmet DeGarmo, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Leading the strike group to the position of the hostile Task Force, Lieutenant Commander DeGarmo ordered the initial torpedo attack against the cruisers and destroyers protecting a Japanese battleship and, flying low through a barrage of intense anti-aircraft fire, aided in scoring direct hits on two cruisers and a destroyer which exploded upon impact. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)