Milton A. Nation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Milton A. Nation, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Flight Leader in Escort Scouting Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VS-7), embarked from the U.S.S. SUWANEE (CVE-27), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. On 8 November undaunted by withering anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Nation, leading a seven-plane group, courageously attacked and successfully bombed three submarines and a battleship and, later the same day, in a four-plane raid, scored direct hits on a cruiser and a destroyer. Steadfast and untiring in his performance of duty, he again, on 10 November led four planes in shattering attacks on enemy coastal defense anti-aircraft installations and, on the morning of 11 November launched a forceful depth charge attack on a hostile submarine, probably sinking that vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.