Alonzo Swann’s Navy Cross and Citation
Object NameMedal
Reward of Merit
Memorandum
Historic Owner
Alonzo A. Swann Jr.
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateDecember 1941–September 1945; 1993
PeriodWorld War II; Museum Era
Mediummetal, paper, fabric, wood
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. 00.2014.26
Object number00.2014.26
DescriptionMedal; Framed Navy Cross medal, certificate and citation awarded to Alonzo A. Swann, Jr. Frame is made from polished wood with gold trim around the outer edge and the glass. Displayed from proper right to proper left on matted board with gold around edges are the certificate, Navy Cross medal and the citation.The certificate depicts a Navy Cross medal at the top with raised gold for the cross and a blue and white ribbon stretching out. At the bottom is a raised gold U.S. Navy seal, with "Department of the Navy // United States of America" encircling an image of an eagle with a fouled anchor in front of a sailing ship. Text on certificate reads, “The United States of America // This Is To Certify That // The President of the United States of America // Has Awarded The // Navy Cross // To // Steward’s Mate First Class Alonzo A. Swann, Jr. // United States Naval Reserve // For // Extraordinary Heroism // While Engaged In Military Operations // On 29 October 1944 // Given Under My Hand In The City Of Washington // This 15th Day Of January 1993 // (Navy seal) // (Signature of Sean O'Keefe) // Secretary of the Navy // 1650/15 (12-67) // Bureau Of Engraving And Printing”.
Navy Cross medal is a cross pattée shape with a caravel sailing vessel in the center attached to a navy blue ribbon with center white stripe.
Text on citation reads, “The Secretary Of The Navy // Washington // The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the // Navy Cross to // Steward’s Mate First Class // Alonzo A. Swann, Jr. // United States Naval Reserve // for service as set forth in the following // Citation: // For extraordinary heroism in connection with operations // against the enemy while serving aboard USS Intrepid. On // 29 October 1944, a Japanese dive bomber attacked from the starboard // side of the ship. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy // fire which caused extensive damage to the ship, Petty Officer Swann // remained in a dangerously exposed position and inadvertently // continued to operate his portside gun in its fire over the flight // deck. Although it became apparent that the enemy plane was headed // directly for his gun tub and despite the imminent danger, he // steadfastly continued to deliver effective gun fire upon the enemy // until the Japanese plane crashed into the tub and exploded, causing // him to be severely burned. Through his daring and resolute // determination, Petty Officer Swann was instrumental in thwarting // the enemy attack. By his personal valor, significant contribution, and unwavering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Swann reflected // great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the // United States Naval Service. // For the President, // (Signature of Sean O'Keefe) // Secretary of the Navy.”
On View
Not on view
Alfonso Chavarrias
October 12, 2001
Object number: A00.2015.02
