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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 Commander Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in military operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period 24 March 1945 to 6 August 1945. Lieutenant Commander Rawie completed twenty strikes against the enemy 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 6 (VF-6)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 6 (AG-6)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    January 31 & February 1, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 3 (April 30, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroic conduct in aerial combat during the operations of U.S. forces against the Marshall Islands on 1 February 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rawie assisted in the bombing and strafing attack on the Island of Maleolap in the most efficient manner despite the enemy fighter and anti-aircraft opposition. Furthermore, in the ensuing action he shot down an enemy fighter plane.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Regiment:

    Carrier Air Group 10 (CAG-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0658 (October 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as a Strike Leader of a large Group of carrier-based planes of Carrier Air Group TEN (CAG-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in an attack against the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the island of Kyushu, on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant Commander Rawie skillfully and courageously planned and directed the attack against major units of the enemy Fleet including a battleship, a cruiser and nine destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy cruiser, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and under unfavorable weather conditions, scoring a direct hit which contributed materially to the attack and also materially contributed to the sinking of a large enemy battleship and three destroyers. His resourcefulness, courage, and inspiring leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6)

    Regiment:

    Battle of Midway

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942

    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 Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . As a pilot of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), engaged in combat patrol, he attacked enemy aircraft approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWN during the Battle of Midway, 4 – 6 June 1942. At great personal risk, he assisted in destroying at least one enemy airplane. His flying skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Regiment:

    Combat Air Group 10 (CAG-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    1945

    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 Commander Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as leader of a bomber fighter plane sweep against enemy naval air installations on the Japanese Island of Honshu. In the face of extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire he led his division with great skill and determination in a bombing attack on installations on the naval air station. He personally scored a direct bomb hit on a hangar. While in the dive his plane was hit with anti-aircraft fire several times. However, with complete disregard for his own safety, he then led repeated strafing attacks on grounded enemy airplanes and air installations in the vicinity of the Island of Shikoku, being subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire while so doing. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.