Jesse M. Bristow

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jesse M. Bristow (0-156763), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in an attack on an enemy task force comprised of a battleship, cruisers and destroyers in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bristow dove on the battleship through extremely intense anti-aircraft fire, and scored a direct hit with his bomb, contributing materially to the sinking of the vessel as a result of the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0510 (May 4, 1945)