Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Joseph Leonard Rubin (NSN: 0-176715/4042288), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during operations against the enemy in the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, 24 – 26 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based torpedo aircraft, Lieutenant Rubin participated in torpedo attacks which severely crippled an enemy Battleship Task Force. The actions in which he participated were successfully accomplished in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft barrages, and removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. By his outstanding courage, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Rubin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 18 (VT-18)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Joseph Leonard Rubin (NSN: 0-176715/4042288), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Rubin pressed home a low-level attack against a Battleship Task Force to score a possible hit on a hostile vessel and, although his plane was damaged by enemy fire, made a safe return to base. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.