Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19)

Awarded on:

September 1st, 1945

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis Martin Abernathy (0-320697), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Abernathy skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a bombing attack against a battleship-carrier despite intense anti-aircraft fire, and scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to the major damage inflicted on the ship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0207 (September 1, 1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Awarded on:

September 1943