Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16), U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15), 2nd Carrier Task Force, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

September 1st, 1945

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] James Floyd McGarvey, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the harbor of Kure, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Participating in a bombing attack on the enemy Battleship HYUGA, in the heavily-defended anchorage, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McGarvey pressed home a determined attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from shore and Naval batteries and scored a direct hit on the hostile capital ship which contributed materially to its sinking. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 01808