James Donald March

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Donald March, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman’s Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. While the HORNET was under aerial attack, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman’s Mate March voluntarily entered a blazing compartment to secure an unexploded 500-pound bomb, and then remained to assist in extinguishing the flames that raged in the vicinity of the dormant explosive. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (August 1943)