John Franklin Gilreath

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Franklin Gilreath, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Kyushu, Japan, 7 April 1945. Participating in a coordinated strike on an enemy cruiser, Lieutenant Gilreath braved an intense barrage of antiaircraft fire to press home a determined attack and, by his courage and airmanship, contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the hostile craft. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to the completion of a perilous assignment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.