Harrry E. Sears

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harrry E. Sears, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Bombing Plane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VB-104), in action against the enemy from 26 August 1943 through 4 November 1943, in the Solomon Islands. In addition to leading several squadron attacks, Commander Sears and his crew are credited, during separate actions, with the destruction of one enemy twin-engine bomber, damage to two enemy fighters, sinking one Japanese combination oiler and ammunition ship, damaging another, and damaging one enemy submarine. Commander Sears’ outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.