The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John Brodhead, Jr. (NSN: 0-99860), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy aircraft and aircraft installations in an island in the Marianas Group on 19 June 1944, when he, as flight leader, during the height of battle, without fighter cover, led a highly successful attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, causing great damage to the enemy and seriously interfering with the enemy’s flight operations at this critical period. 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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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15)Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)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 John Brodhead, Jr. (NSN: 0-99860), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in an attack on 11 November 1944, against an enemy convoy which was attempting to reinforce its garrison on the island of Leyte in the Visayan area of the Philippines. On this occasion, leading a division of six dive bombers, he skillfully deployed his aircraft in such a manner that maximum protection was given them against enemy anti-aircraft fire and airborne opposition as well as affording a fine tactical advantage for their individual bombing attacks. Despite intense and highly accurate anti-aircraft fire from the entire convoy and screen of destroyers, and the efforts of enemy fighters he pressed home an attack on a medium sized ammunition ship. He made a direct and destructive hit upon the target. This, together with hits by accompanying aircraft of the group, resulted in the immediate sinking of this vessel.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15)Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)Action Date:
October 25, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0485 (December 19, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John Brodhead, Jr. (NSN: 0-99860), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber and Division Leader in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly leading fourteen planes of his squadron, Lieutenant Brodhead pressed home a determined attack in the face of extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire on an enemy battleship of the ISE class, personally scoring a direct hit. Coordinating with other type planes, he maneuvered his group into excellent position for attack, which resulted in several other damaging hits on the target. Lieutenant Brodhead’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.