Eugene Vincent Conklin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eugene Vincent Conklin, Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Participating in a long- range attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conklin skillfully maneuvered his plane to evade determined fighter opposition and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire in the ensuing action and assisted essentially in the sinking of a large enemy aircraft carrier, and the probable sinking of another large carrier and in shooting down two enemy fighter planes. Upon fulfillment of the critical mission, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conklin succeeded in completing the long return flight to base and in effecting a safe night landing aboard the LEXINGTON. His cool courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty throughout this decisive action reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conklin and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)