"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as Squadron Commander of Bombing Squadron 102 and as Plane Commander of a PB4Y-I Patrol Bomber operating against
the enemy on Japanese-held Greenwich Island during the battle of the Solomon Islands,
July 6, 1943. Fully aware of the limited chance of surviving an urgent
mission, voluntarily undertaken to prevent a surprise Japanese attack
against our forces, Lt. Comdr. Van Voorhis took off in total darkness on
a perilous 700-mile flight without escort or support. Successful in
reaching his objective despite treacherous and varying winds, low
visibility and difficult terrain, he fought a lone but relentless battle
under fierce antiaircraft fire
and overwhelming aerial opposition. Forced lower and lower by pursuing
planes, he coolly persisted in his mission of destruction. Abandoning
all chance of a safe return he executed 6 bold ground-level attacks to
demolish the enemy's vital radio station, installations, antiaircraft
guns and crews with bombs and machine gun
fire, and to destroy 1 fighter plane in the air and 3 on the water. Caught in his own bomb blast, Lt. Comdr. Van Voorhis crashed into the
lagoon off the beach, sacrificing himself in a single-handed fight
against almost insuperable odds, to make a distinctive contribution to
our continued offensive in driving the Japanese from the Solomons and,
by his superb daring, courage and resoluteness of purpose, enhanced the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country."
May you be at peace,
Brian
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