Norman Taylor Dowty

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Norman Taylor Dowty (0-121950), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron FIFTY-FIVE (VC-55), embarked from the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-21), in action against an enemy submarine off the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean on 19 March 1944. Sighting the hostile ship while participating with an accompanying fighter plane in a search flight, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dowty unhesitatingly went into action and, skillfully maneuvering his craft into position for a powerful strike, pressed home his daring, aggressive attacks at perilously low altitude in the face of intense, persistent anti-aircraft fire and accurately released depth bombs which exploded on the deck of the submarine and completely destroyed the enemy vessel. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dowty’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 331 (October 1944)