Paul J. Fontana’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Paul John Fontana

Major, U.S. Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 11 to 14 November 1942. When twenty-two Japanese bombers with an escort of six Zero-type fighters attempted to bomb Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Major Fontana, leading a flight of eight planes, shot down one bomber while intercepting and disorganizing the hostile formation before effective completion of its mission was accomplished. On the following day, he sent down in flames two aircraft while his men destroyed five others of a large formation of enemy bombers about to attack friendly ships off Lunga Point. Later, when a force of our bombers on an important offensive mission was intercepted by twelve fighters, Major Fontana, leading a six-plane flight, courageously engaged the attackers and sent two hostile craft hurtling into the water, thereby contributing to the disruption of the enemy attack. His unconquerable fighting spirit and valiant disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.