The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and leader of a Combat Air patrol of four fighters of Fighting Squadron TEN (VF-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval and air forces near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. As great numbers of enemy dive bombers and Torpedo Planes launched a vicious attack upon his carrier, Lieutenant Vejtasa unhesitatingly challenged and shot down two Japanese dive bombers and then gallantly led his patrol in an attack on a group of enemy Torpedo Planes with such daring aggressiveness that the formation was completely broken and three of the hostile bombers jettisoned their torpedoes as they fled. Lieutenant Vejtasa then personally shot down five of the remaining Japanese planes, making a total of seven enemy aircraft destroyed in a single flight. His superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Fleet Air, Miramar from 15 August 1965 to 7 June 1968. Captain Vejtasa played a vital role in the supervision and training of all Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet Fighter Squadrons deployed in carriers in Southeast Asia and in the indoctrination of replacement pilots, naval flight officers and maintenance personnel for those squadrons and our allies. His outstanding foresight enabled him to make vital contributions to future design and development of fighter aircraft and resulted in advanced weapons systems, armament and electronic warning devices for both the presently operational and the future fighter aircraft. His keen employment of Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet Fighter Aircraft contributed significantly to the anti-air warfare readiness of the surface forces in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He originated and supervised the trans-Pacific flight of replacement jet fighter aircraft, a program essential to the timely support of deployed units. Captain Vejtasa’s personal interest and concern for the welfare of all personnel in the fighter community and their families resulted in an exceptional Esprit de Corps within the military and an exceptionally fine rapport with the civilian community. His outstanding leadership, judgment and inspirational personal example were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)Action Date:
May 4, 7 & 8, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa participated in dive bombing attacks on the enemy in Tulagi Harbor which resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy vessels. On 7 May, he took part in a dive bombing attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea which resulted in the sinking of that vessel. On 8 May, while on anti-Torpedo Plane patrol, he engaged enemy bombing and Torpedo Planes heavily supported by fighters which attacked our forces. The attacks on 4 and 7 May were pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire with no regard for personal safety. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa’s conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)Action Date:
March 10, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.