LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE) JOHN THEODORE CROSBY, United States Naval Reserve. For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while flying as pilot of a carrier based fighter plane on 16 April 1945. During a patrol in the vicinity of Okinawa he sighted twenty enemy fighters headed in the direction of our forces and dove to intercept. In the encounter that followed he shot down four enemy planes and emerged without injury to his plane or himself although, having become seperated from his division, he fought single handed during most of the engagement. The first fighter he attacked burst into flames and crashed. A second plane engaged him in a head on run but his bullets scored hits on the enemy plane which, burning about the engine, went down. Regaining altitude he opened fire on a third fighter which also fell into the sea ablaze. The fourth plane he attacked broke apart in midair, concluding the engagement. Later in the same flight he dove on an enemy dive bomber which crashed on the shore of Okinawa as a result of his fire. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Crosby joined the Legion of Valor in 2003 and resides in Northern California.