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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Frederick Edward Bakutis (NSN: 0-75028), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces. On 15 October 1944, in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, he led twenty-four planes which were escorting a formation of bombing and torpedo planes. The formation was attacked by fifty enemy fighters but his defense was so skillful and determined that there were no losses. He and the formation continued on their mission which resulted in great damage to enemy installations. Later the same day he led his squadron in the defense of the Task Group which was under attack by enemy aircraft. His inspired leadership of the defense was a large contributing factor to the shooting down of all the attacking planes, and to the fact that none of our surface ships were damaged. On 18 October 1944, he was the leader of a fighter sweep against enemy fighters resulting in fourteen of them being destroyed. He continued his mission and caused severe damage to grounded aircraft and buildings. This mission was completed in the face of continuous heavy anti-aircraft fire and in adverse weather conditions. At all times he led his squadron skillfully and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. His courage, determination, and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    August 31 – December 15, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Frederick Edward Bakutis (NSN: 0-75028), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as pilot of a carrier based fighter aircraft in action against the enemy on 31 August 1944 in the Bonin Islands, on 10 September 1944 in the Palau Islands, on 10 October 1944 in the Nansei Shoto area; on 12 and 13 October 1944 in the Formosa area, and on 15 and 18 October and 14 and 15 December 1944 in the Philippine Islands area. During these days he personally destroyed 11 enemy aircraft on the ground and damaged an additional 11 aircraft on the ground. He also personally destroyed two small vessels and damaged a freighter and medium cargo ship with well directed rocket hits and assisted in the sinking or damaging of seven miscellaneous small enemy vessels. These accomplishments were performed with little regard for his own personal safety. His coolness, skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bakutis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0793 (January 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Frederick Edward Bakutis (NSN: 0-75028), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Aggressively leading a small search group on a strike against an enemy task force, Commander Bakutis succeeded in locating the concentration of hostile vessels and immediately reported the location to his base. Then, launching a brilliant attack on the Japanese ships, he fought his plane gallantly in the face of a withering barrage of accurate antiaircraft fire and gunfire from the enemy’s main batteries, personally scoring direct hits with his rockets on a battleship and contributing in large measure to the damaging of one cruiser and two other battleships during this fierce action. By his forceful leadership and outstanding tactical ability, Commander Bakutis was in large measure responsible for the neutralization of Japanese surface forces in this strategic area and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 16 – December 16, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Frederick Edward Bakutis (NSN: 0-75028), United States Navy, for a series of meritorious acts while participating in aerial flight from 10 October to 16 December 1944. Commander Bakutis participated in twenty flights in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective and enemy aircraft patrols usually occur. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.