Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Bombing Fighting Squadron 6 (VBF-6), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19) (Bombing Fighting Squadron 6 (VBF-6), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19))

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron SIX (VBF-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during a strike against enemy Japanese Fleet units at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Displaying outstanding courage and skill, Lieutenant McElwee made a bombing run on an enemy battleship despite intense and extremely accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy ship and shore batteries, and scored a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb, thereby contributing materially to sinking the vessel. Lieutenant McElwee's airmanship and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Serial 01895, Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific (September 22, 1945).