John Sheever Chambers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Sheever Chambers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], 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 SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. Skillfully maneuvering his plane in a dive-bombing attack against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Chambers pressed home his attack in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in scoring a direct bomb hit on the target. By his courage and determination in the completion of his mission, he contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. By his’ courage and determination in the completion of his mission, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Chambers contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His airmanship throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01863 (September 18, 1945)