Harold Frederick Dixon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold Frederick Dixon, Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), after a forced landing at sea while in operations against the enemy in the South Pacific on 16 January 1942. Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate Dixon’s plane sank immediately, forcing him and his crew to take to an aviation emergency rubber boat. By his resourcefulness and excellent judgment, and demonstrating exceptional determination and skillful seamanship, he succeeded in navigating the rubber boat for 34 days over approximately 500 miles, without adequate provisions or equipment, and landing safely on a remote Pacific Island, thereby saving the lives of his crew and exhibiting the highest quality of leadership. The conduct of Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate Dixon throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)