Foster E. Looney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Foster E. Looney, 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 TWO (VB-2), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Ensign Looney contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.