Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), USS Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

March 8th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Tokyo, Japan, on 16 February 1945. Leading his squadron on the initial fighter sweep against enemy air installations and aircraft in this area, Lieutenant Commander Keith carried out his attacks with skill, personally shooting down five hostile planes and probably destroying two others and subsequently through intense enemy fire brought his entire flight safely back to its carrier. By his airmanship, courage and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Lieutenant Commander Keith upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0156 (March 8, 1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), USS Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy

Synopsis:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-8), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during World War II."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80), USS Hancock (CV-19), U.S. Navy

Synopsis:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during World War II."

Second DFC awarded in the form of a gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.