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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 Lieutenant Chester Vincent Zalewski, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in numerous vital bombing raids on Japanese shipping in the Solomon Islands area from September to November 1942. Lieutenant Zalewski scored direct hits and near misses on two heavy cruisers and a destroyer and a probable hit on a light cruiser. On 15 October he assisted in destroying four, and possibly five, ships of a Japanese convoy.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 16 (VS-16)

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 25 (November 23, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Chester Vincent Zalewski, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SIXTEEN (VS-16), during the operation of the United States Naval and Marine forces in support of the occupation of the Solomon Islands, on 25 August 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Zalewski, by displaying courage and skill under fire, destroyed two enemy sea planes during the same flight, although these airplanes were more heavily armed than his own. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.