(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gerald Waylett Thomas, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Bombing Squadron FOUR (VB-4), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during World War II.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Gerald Waylett Thomas, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Bombing Squadron FOUR (VB-4), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area on 13 November 1944. Undaunted by withering hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Thomas pressed home a daring glide bombing attack on two Japanese destroyers to score four direct hits and contributed to the sinking of both vessels. By his superb airmanship, courage and zealous devotion to duty, Lieutenant Thomas upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.