Night Fighter Group 76 (VFV-76)

Action:
Citation:
“For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from September 18, 1943, to August 15, 1945. Spearheading our concentrated carrier-warfare in the most forward areas, the U.S.S. LEXINGTON and het air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious force; they fiercely countered the enemy’s aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the LEXINGTON with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire.”

Details:
Received for action from the U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16) at Palau, Hollandia and Truk (March 18th - April 30th, 1944), Marianas (June 11th - July 5th, 1944), Marianas, Palau and Bonin Islands (July 18th - August 5th, 1944) and Philippines, Palau, Yap, Ryukyus, Formosa and Luzon (September 6th - November 6th, 1944).