USS Enterprise CV-6
The Most Decorated Ship of the Second World War

History: Prewar - 1941 - 1942 - 1943 - 1944 - 1945 - Postwar
The Ship - All Hands - Decorations - Remembrance

Decorations - Navy Unit Commendation

Enterprise and her men were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation on 11 June 1946, one year and four weeks to the day after Tomi Zai^[1] hurled his plane through the Big E's flight deck and knocked her out of the war.

Awarded by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, and approved by President Truman, the Commendation recognized the "outstanding heroism" of Enterprise's men and Air Groups for action between November 19, 1943 and May 14, 1945.

Enterprise CV-6 was the first ship in U.S. Navy history to be awarded both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.

For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from November 19, 1943 to May 14, 1945. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the U.S.S. Enterprise and her air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power, they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the Enterprise with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire.

November 19 to December 5, 1943, Gilberts: AG-6 (VF-2, VB-6, VT-6).

January 25 to February 20, 1944, Marshalls and Truk: AG-10 (VF-10, VB-10, VT-10).

March 29 to April 30, 1944, Palau, Hollandia, Truk;

June 11 to July 5, 1944, Marianas: AG-10 (VF-10, VB-10, VT-10, part of VFN-101).

August 31 to September 18, 1944, Bonins, Palau, Yap: AG-20 (VF-20, VB-20, VT-20, part of VFN-78).

October 10 to November 22, 1944, Ryukyus, Formosa, Philippines, Luzon: AG-20 (VF-20, VB-20, VT-20).

January 6 to 22, 1945, Philippines, China Sea, Formosa: VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90.

February 16 to March 19, 1945, Honshu, Bonins, Iwo Jima, Kyushu: VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90.

April 7 to 13, 1945, Ryukyus, Okinawa: VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90.

May 7 to 14, 1945, Ryukyus, Okinawa: VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90.

(Signed) James V. Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy

[1] "Tomi Zai" is a common but incorrect translation of the pilot's proper name, Shusasuka Tomiyasa.