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Navy Cross
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Criteria
The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
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Comments
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harry Harrison Basore (0-83384), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the e... Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harry Harrison Basore (0-83384), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane as Acting Commanding officer of Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-FOUR (VF-74), embarked from the U.S.S. KASAAN BAY (CVE-69), during the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944. In the period 15 August 1944, until 30 August 1944, Lieutenant Basore led with great skill and courage, ten offensive missions against enemy strong-points, motorized concentrations, and lines of communications. These flights were made in the face of intense, accurate gunfire from the ground but, nevertheless, were successful in causing large damage and creating much confusion among the enemy. While the leader of an eight-plane flight up the Rhone River on 27 August 1944, Lieutenant Basore made a solo reconnoitering run through heavy gunfire in the vicinity of Montelimar at an extremely low altitude in order to obtain needed information on the identity and movements of a heavy concentration of enemy motor transports in that area. This information could not be obtained from a safe altitude and he, refusing to endanger the pilots under his command, voluntarily directed them to remain aloft while he dove his plane at high speed through intense fire to a low altitude. Although his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Basore obtained and accurately reported by radio, the desired information and subsequently returned safely with his flight to his carrier. As a direct result of his heroism and exceptional airmanship, valuable information concerning the movements of enemy ground forces was promptly reported. The skillful airmanship, courageous and determined action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Basore were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.
Commander, 8th Fleet: Serial 5674 (November 16, 1944)
Born: June 22, 1916 at Kingston, Arkansas
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
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