Lavell Meldrum Bigelow

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in attacks on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Ensign Bigelow’s conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 2885 (July 7, 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), in action against the enemy in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow skillfully and courageously led a flight of bomber-fighters in a dive bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. During the action, he attacked an enemy warship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to heavy and extensive damage to the warship which later settled to the bottom of the harbor. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow’s skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy fire from a formation of Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Ensign Bigelow dived his airplane at a light cruiser and obtained a direct hit on it which resulted in serious damage to and probable destruction of that vessel. Ensign Bigelow’s courage, skill, and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 318 (September 1943)