Content Editor posted on November 05, 2009 13:46
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
UNITED STATES SHIP FANSHAW BAY
and her attached Air Squadrons participating in the following operations:
VC-68, Marianas Operation, June 15 to 18, 1944;
VC-66, Western New Guinea, September 15 to October 12, 1944;
VC-68, Leyte Operation, October 18 to 24, 1944;
VC-68, Leyte Operation, October 26 to 29, 1944;
VOC-2, Okinawa Gunto Operation, March 25 to June 23, 1945;
VOC-2, THIRD Fleet Operations against Japan, July 10 to 27, 1945,
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat. Operating continuously in the most advanced areas, the U.S.S. FANSHAW BAY and her air squadrons destroyed or damaged hostile warships, aircraft, merchant shipping and shore installations despite frequent and sustained air attacks. She sent out her planes repeatedly in spotting and strike missions to annihilate the enemy's ground installations, troops, tanks, trucks and parked aircraft and to destroy his airborne planes. Operating as a highly disciplined and superbly coordinated team throughout 124 days of action, the FANSHAW BAY and her air groups achieved an illustrious record of performance in combat which reflects the highest credit upon her gallant officers and men and upon the United States Naval Service."
For the President,
(Signed)
John L. Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy