Laverne G. Saunders’ Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Brigadier General [then Colonel] Laverne George Saunders

United States Army Air Forces

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the 11th Bombardment Group (H), THIRTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 18 November 1942. Brigadier General Saunders led his group of B-17 Heavy Bombers in a daring daylight raid on enemy shipping in the face of severe anti-aircraft and enemy fighter opposition in the Buin-Tonolei area of the Solomon Islands. At least two 1,000-pound bomb hits were scored on enemy vessels and 12 enemy aircraft were destroyed. After his own airplane was badly damaged and it became necessary to land his plane in enemy territory, he skillfully accomplished a water landing near shore thereby permitting the remaining members of his crew to reach safety. Brigadier General Saunders’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Service.