Service number: 315345

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Earl Mitchell, Jr. (NSN: 0-315345), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VBF-17), embarked of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 21 March 1945, while deployed over Kyushu, Japan. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mitchell led a Division of fighters in the interception of a formation of enemy twin-engine bombers and fighters which was approaching our surface forces southeast of Kyushu, Japan. Engaging the enemy planes against opposing machine gun fire he personally destroyed five bombers. The first plane he attacked commenced to trail smoke after he dove on it. He struck again, the plane bursting into flames and suddenly exploding in mid-air. In quick succession he attacked three more bombers, all of which crashed into the sea burning. He forced the fifth plane down close to the water, but in doing so expended the last of his ammunition. He continued his dive, however, pulling out only a few feet above his target. This maneuver succeeded, the enemy pilot nosing down and crashing into the sea. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04830 (June 8, 1945)

Action Date: March 21, 1945

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade

Company: Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

Distinguished Flying Cross

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Earl Mitchell, Jr. (NSN: 0-315345), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

Action Date: World War II

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade

Company: Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)

Distinguished Flying Cross

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Henry Earl Mitchell, Jr. (NSN: 0-315345), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

Action Date: World War II

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade

Company: Bombing Fighting Squadron 17 (VBF-17)

Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

Mitchell, Henry Earl, Jr., LTJG