For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty, as a Division Leader in Marine Fighter Squadron 221 in action
against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands Area, April 7, 1943. In a
daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, First Lieutenant Swett
unhesitatingly hurled his four-plane division into action against a formation of fifteen
enemy bombers and during his dive personally exploded three hostile planes in mid-air with
accurate and deadly fire. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy
concentration of anti-aircraft fire, he boldly attacked six enemy bombers, engaged the
first four in turn, and unaided, shot them down in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as
the closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific
opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his
face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the
water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting
spirit which enabled First Lieutenant Swett to destroy seven enemy bombers in a single
flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
