Frederick James Brush

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frederick James Brush (0-70049), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane embarked from the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action in the vicinity of Tokyo Bay on 17 February 1945. Commander Brush skillfully and courageously conducted and led a fighter bomber attack against an enemy aircraft carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. During the attack, he scored one direct bomb hit and one near miss, thereby contributing materially to the sinking of the enemy warships. During the same flight he engaged in aerial combat and damaged one enemy fighter plane. His skill and courage and leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0260 (March 15, 1945)