Real American Heroes

Lucius D. Campbell’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Lucius D. Campbell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FORTY-TWO (VP-42), Patrol Wing FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, on 3 June 1942. Boldly facing the hazards of flying in a snowstorm, Lieutenant Campbell made contact with a heavy enemy concentration south of Umnak Island. Then, with his plane severely damaged by bullets and fire inflicted by opposing enemy aircraft, he persisted doggedly in his attempts to develop the contact until forced down into the open sea because of fuel exhaustion. Further, he courageously engaged in all-night aerial patrols and bombing attacks on enemy Japanese ships in Kiska Harbor against powerful fighter and anti-aircraft opposition. His aggressive spirit and intrepid conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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