Richard Earl Britson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard Earl Britson, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet and against Naval installations in the Japanese Inland Sea, on 19 March 1945. Escorting bomber and torpedo aircraft in a coordinated strike on the target, Lieutenant Britson pressed home a determined bombing and strafing attack on an enemy battleship and accompanying destroyers and, scoring a direct hit, seriously damaged the battleship. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)