Bigelow, LaVell, CAPT

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign LaVell Meldrum Bigelow (NSN: 0-83311), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy fire from a formation of Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Ensign Bigelow dived his airplane at a light cruiser and obtained a direct hit on it which resulted in serious damage to and probable destruction of that vessel. Ensign Bigelow's courage, skill, and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 318 (September 1943)
Action Date: March 10, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Ensign
Company: Bombing Squadron 5 (VB-5)
Division: U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)
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Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign LaVell Meldrum Bigelow (NSN: 0-83311), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in attacks on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea on 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.

General Orders: Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 2885 (July 7, 1942)
Action Date: May 4 & 8, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Ensign
Company: Bombing Squadron 5 (VB-5)
Division: U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)
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Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander LaVell Meldrum Bigelow (NSN: 0-83311), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19), 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.

Action Date: July 28, 1945
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)
Division: U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)
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Distinguished Flying Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander LaVell Meldrum Bigelow (NSN: 0-83311), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the Japanese Empire on 19 March 1945. As the leader of a twenty-six plane fighter sweep against the airfields in the Kobe-Osaka area, he skillfully directed rocket and strafing attacks on three separate airfields, destroying or damaging field installations and parked aircraft. The attacks, conducted in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire were pressed home aggressively and without loss to his force. His personal courage and skill of leadership were outstanding and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: March 19, 1945
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
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Distinguished Flying Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander LaVell Meldrum Bigelow (NSN: 0-83311), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu, Honshu, Hokkaido, Japan, Nansei Shoto and Wake Island. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 18 March 1945 to 15 August 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: March 18 - August 15, 1945
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
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