Roberts, John Quincy, ENS

ENS Roberts was assigned to Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). In the early morning hours of June 4, 1942 pilot Ens. John Roberts, his gunner, Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Thurman Randolph Swindell, and many other aircraft of Enterprises' Air Wing Six, flew off to attack the approaching Japanese Striking Force near Midway. During the ensuing battle Air Wing Six aircraft helped inflict fatal damage to three of the four Japanese carriers. Ensign Roberts' plane was shot down during the battle. He was listed as missing in action and later declared dead.

Service numbers: Enlisted - 4074102   Officer - 098666

Navy Cross
Awarded for Action During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6)
Division: U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign John Quincy Roberts (NSN: 0-98666), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 - 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Roberts, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His gallant perseverance and utter disregard for his own personal safety were important contributing factors to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.