Edward G. Binning

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward G. Binning, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron THIRTY-ONE (VP-31), based at Naval Air Station St. Lucia, British West Indies, while operating over the waters of the Caribbean Area, on 26 May 1942. While conducting a night antisubmarine patrol, Lieutenant Binning located a submarine on the surface and dropped three depth charges on it in two diving attacks. The submarine appeared to settle slowly in the water in a sinking conditions. The conduct of Lieutenant Binning throughout this action, the first night search and attack on enemy craft, reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)