Jack D. Cruze

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jack D. Cruze, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Catalina Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron ELEVEN (VP-11), operating over the Solomon Sea and the vicinity of the Bismarck Archipelago from 1 to 16 November 1943. Flying under hazardous weather conditions and in the face of heavy antiaircraft opposition, Lieutenant Cruze skillfully located the enemy and, maneuvering his plane for maximum tactical advantage, delivered an accurate hit on a hostile cargo ship, destroyed a wharf and inflicted severe damage on many barges. On the night of 16 November, when he sighted a large force of enemy vessels, he promptly and fearlessly maneuvered his plane for a low-altitude bombing attack and, approaching his target through a barrage of withering antiaircraft fire, scored two direct and punishing hits, destroying or seriously damaging a valuable transport. Lieutenant Cruze’s splendid airmanship, valorous initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)