Torpedo Squadron 87 - LT.(jg) Joseph Baruzzini

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,GREETING: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS TODAY AWARDED THE

NAVY CROSS

to
ENSIGN JOSEPH LOUIS BARUZZINI
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY SEVEN (VT-87), embarked from the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kure Area of the Inland Sea of Japan, on 28 July 1945. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire from the enemy warships and shore batteries, Ensign Baruzzini executed a bold glide-bombing attack against the Japanese cruiser TONE to score a direct hit on the enemy vessel and contribute materially to the success of his squadron
in beaching it. His expert airmanship, indomitable spirit and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baruzzini and the United States Naval Service.