Stephen W. Groves

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Stephen W. Groves (0-099911), Ensign, 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 EIGHT (VF-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. With grim disregard for the hazardous consequence of his act, Ensign Groves plunged into aerial combat against a large group of enemy aircraft which was harassing our carriers. Contributing decisively to the disruption of threatening enemy formations, he pressed home a determined and vigorous counterattack against desperate odds until, finally overcome by sheer aerial superiority, he was shot down from the skies. By his courageous devotion to the fulfillment of a vastly important mission, he aided greatly in the victory achieved by our forces and conducted himself in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.