Merrill J. Hemby

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Merrill J. Hemby, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against Japanese forces on 24 July 1945, while deployed over Kure Harbor, Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Merrill J. Hemby, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against Japanese forces on 18 July 1945, while deployed over Yokosuka, Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)