Thomas M. Bennett

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas M. Bennett (0-82654), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VT-26), embarked from the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), in operations against the enemy. On 25 October 1944, Lieutenant Commander Bennett led a flight of planes in an attack against a large Japanese force consisting of battleships, cruiser, and escorting destroyers. Despite adverse weather conditions and a dangerously low fuel supply he searched determinedly for this force and upon location, initiated an immediate attack. He pressed home a vigorous attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. The well-coordinated and effective attack inflicted heavy damage on the Japanese vessels and contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy task force. His cool courage, expert professional skill and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 14210 (December 16, 1944)