John Clinton Burrus
Born: December 15, 1903 at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Clinton Burrus, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), 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. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Courageously leading his division through heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and strategically-placed shore batteries, Lieutenant Burrus pressed home a determined bombing attack on a large aircraft carrier and scored one of two direct hits obtained by his division on the enemy warship. Lieutenant Burrus’ gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions fo the United States Naval Service.
Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01680 (September 1, 1945)