Quick Facts
Biography
Frederick Cushing Cross, Jr. was born 8 July 1917 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Navy career
Cross enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve 22 March 1941, and after aviation training was ordered to a bombing squadron at DeLand, Florida.
Awarded the Navy Cross
Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross was killed in action 7 August 1943 during an engagement with an enemy submarine. Although he was mortally wounded and his plane had a shattered starboard engine, he continued to attack the submarine, then made a perfect water landing, thus saving the lives of his copilot and radio operator. For his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. The official Navy citation:
Namesake
Cross (DE-448) was named in his honor. She was launched 4 July 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. D. F. Cross, mother of the late Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross, USNR; and commissioned 8 January 1945, Lieutenant H. L. Minshall, Jr., USNR, in command.