Ernest H. Dunlap, Jr.’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

Ernest H. Dunlap, Jr.

Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ernest H. Dunlap, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dunlap found that his services in the foretop as Spotter on the U.S.S. NEVADA were not required, he joined the secondary battery, supervised the manning of guns and organization of ammunition supply, and maintained an accurate fire on low flying enemy aircraft until seriously wounded by the explosion of an enemy bomb. Despite his wounded condition, he assisted with the wounded until he himself collapsed. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dunlap throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.