Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Torpedo Bombing Squadron 1 (VTB 1), U.S.S. Bennington

Synopsis:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane, in action on 28 July 1945, while deployed over Kure, Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Torpedo Bombing Squadron 1 (VTB 1), U.S.S. Bennington

Citation:
"For meritious achievement in aerial flight as pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Torpedo Bombing Squadron ONE, attached to the U.S.S. Bennington, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Japanese Homeland, from July 10 to August 9, 1945. Completing his fifth mission during this period, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign) Pinney contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on hostile airfields and installations. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy antiaircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Torpedo Bombing Squadron 1 (VTB 1), U.S.S. Bennington

Citation:
"For meritious achievement in aerial flight ad Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron ONE, attached to the U.S.S. Bennington, in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on July 24, 1945. In the face of intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from several warships and shore installations and under adverse weather conditions which made target identification difficult, Lieutenant, Junio Grade (then Ensign) Pinney pressed home a determined glide-bombing attack on a hostile battleship and, later the same day, identifying a converted battleship as his target, again carried out an aggressive glide-bombing strike. His courage and devotion to duty were inkeeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Air medal received as a gold star for on the ribbon of the first Air Medal.