Edward J. Wallof

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward J. Wallof (0-30216), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron FIVE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-511), embarked from the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-21), in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Hirara Airfield, Miyako Shima, Sakashima Gunto, on 15 May 1945. When a hostile antiaircraft shell exploded in the cockpit of his plane severely lacerating his face and completely blinding his left eye, First Lieutenant Wallof bravely continued his attack to fire six rockets at his objective, a radio station and then, holding a pressure bandage to his face, flew one hundred miles back to his ship. Leaning out from his cockpit in order to see the vessel, he skillfully brought his plane in to a successful landing, thereby saving a critically needed aircraft for future operations. His outstanding courage, superb airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Wallof and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, Air Forces, Pacific: Serial 06344 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)