Edward LEE Anderson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward Lee Anderson (0-81209), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Section Leader in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson took part in dive- bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. In two instances, flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 3013 (July 16, 1942)