Essex, USS (CV-9)

Awarded on: 1946
Action:
"For extraordinary heroism in action in the Pacific War area from 31 Aug[ust[ 1943 to 15 Aug[ust] 1945. Spearheading the concentrated carrier warfare in forward areas, the gallant ship and her air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Jap fighting power. The 27,000-ton aircraft carrier spent 17 months in continuous operations and supported every major Pacific engagement from Tarawa to Tokyo Bay."