Everen C. Mclawhorn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Everen C. McLawhorn, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Gunner of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VP-101), Patrol Wing TEN (PatWing-10), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces located near Jolo, in the Philippine Islands, on the morning of 27 December 1941. During an air attack on enemy ships when Anti-Aircraft Fire broke up the formation of PBY-4 Catalinas and killed two waist gunners, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class McLawhorn manned both waist guns alternately, refusing to leave his post despite being wounded seven times. When enemy incendiaries ignited a number of ammunition cases in the plane and machine gun bullets in the cases began to explode, despite the pain of his wounds, Aviation Machinist Mate First Class McLawhorn calmly jettisoned the exploding cases, risking his life in doing so. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)