Edward H. Allen’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS (Posthumously) to

Edward henry allen

Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. Lieutenant Allen engaged one of the enemy, and by skillful maneuvering, enabled his rear seat observer to shoot the enemy bomber down with one burst from his .30 caliber free machine gun. Lieutenant Allen’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.