Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (Junior Grade)

Unit:

Pilot Torpedo Squadron 5 (VT-5), U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron Five (VT-5), embarked from the U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ellison's conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."