Johnnie E. Mattis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Johnnie E. Mattis, Aviation Chief Radioman, 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 TWO (VT-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire and strong fighter opposition, Aviation Chief Radioman Mattis pressed home an attack against an enemy aircraft carrier to within the dangerously short range of a few hundred yards of the target. He was able to score a hit on the enemy ship by utter disregard for his own safety and determination in carrying out his mission. Contributing to the destruction of the enemy carrier and to the success of our forces in the Coral Sea Battle, he conducted himself on this occasion in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)