Glenn Wilder Denham

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Glenn Wilder Denham, 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 Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during search and attack operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 and 25 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Denham braved withering anti-aircraft fire to launch a devastating rocket attack on Japanese Fleet units and inflict extensive damage on a hostile destroyer and, continuing his bold tactics the following day, succeeded in scoring a smashing bomb hit on a Japanese battleship. His superb skill as an airman, resolute fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Denham and the United States Naval Service.
Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 046 (January 31, 1945)