The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Rex Lesourd Bantz (NSN: 0-157177), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight under fire. On 17 June 1944, despite heavy anti-aircraft fire he scored numerous hits on an important communication station in the vicinity of the Marianas, materially aiding in its complete destruction; on 24 June 1944, in the vicinity of the Marianas and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire he scored numerous hits on an enemy ship causing it to burn furiously. By this action he effectively deprived the enemy of a large merchantman. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 18 (VT-18)Action Date:
July 19 – 21, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Rex Lesourd Bantz (NSN: 0-157177), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 19 July 1944 to 21 July 1944. Lieutenant Bantz completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. The below listed flights were used as the basis for the award of the Gold Star in lieu of a 3d Distinguished Flying Cross:
19 July 1944 – Strike – Enemy Installations, Guam Island
20 July 1944 – Strike – Enemy Installations, Guam Island
20 July 1944 – Strike – Enemy Installations, Guam Island
20 July 1944 – Strike – Enemy Installations, Guam Island
21 July 1944 – Strike – Enemy Installations, Guam Island -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 18 (VT-18)Action Date:
September 22 – October 25, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Rex Lesourd Bantz (NSN: 0-157177), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 22 September 1944 to 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Bantz completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. The below listed flights were used as the basis for the award of the Gold Star in lieu of a 3d Distinguished Flying Cross:
22 September 1944 – Strike-Enemy Shipping, Manila Harbor, Philippine Islands
5 October 1944 – Strike-Enemy Shipping, Okinawa Shima
12 October 1944 – Strike-enemy Airfield, Formosa
13 October 1944- Strike, Enemy Installations, Formosa
25 October 1944-Strike Enemy Force, Cape Egano, Philippine Islands -
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 18 (VT-18)Division:
U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)Action Date:
October 24, 1944
Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rex Lesourd Bantz (NSN: 0-157177), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bantz attacked and damaged a large enemy battleship, dropping his bomb at very close range which caused certain damage. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)Action Date:
November 11, 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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rex Lesourd Bantz (NSN: 0-157177), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a carrier-based torpedo airplane in an attack on an enemy convoy in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 11 November 1944. In spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and airborne opposition he skillfully delivered his attack and obtained a direct hit with a 500-pound bomb on a heavily loaded enemy transport causing extensive damage and depriving the enemy of desperately needed men and material at a crucial point in their campaign. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.