Grandpa's Three Navy Cross Citations

The Navy Cross is the second-highest medal that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy and the second-highest award given for valor. Here are the three received by Ensign LaVell M. Bigelow:

The Navy Cross is presented to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Pilot of an airplane in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near New Guinea on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy fire from a formation of Japanese cruisers, Lieutenant Bigelow dived at a light cruiser and scored a direct hit, resulting in serious damage and probable destruction of the enemy vessel. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Navy Cross (First Gold Star) is presented to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and courageous devotion to duty as Pilot of an airplane in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5) in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Ensign Bigelow's conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Navy Cross (Second Gold Star) is presented to LaVell Meldrum Bigelow, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for July 28, 1945, while serving as a carrier-based bomber pilot embarked from the HANCOCK. For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while leading a flight of carrier based bomber-fighter planes, in action against the enemy in Kure Harbor, Japan on 28 July 1945. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow skillfully and courageously led a flight of bomber-fighters in a dive bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. During the action, he attacked an enemy warship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to heavy and extensive damage to the warship which later settled to the bottom of the harbor. Lieutenant Commander Bigelow’s skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.