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Navy Federal Credit Union
Samuel
White
Forrer
January 9, 1917

–

August 17, 2011

Samuel Forrer was credited with shooting down 2.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 365 (July 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Samuel White Forrer, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in action against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands, on 12 October 1944.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 71 (VF-71)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Wasp (CV-7)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Samuel White Forrer, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-ONE (VF-71), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 7 August 1942. Participating as wingman in an assault launched by Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-ONE, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Forrer, with utter disregard for his own personal safety under a bursting hail of anti-aircraft fire, closely strafed and eventually silenced and enemy machine-gun which was harassing his Squadron Commander. In addition, pressing home his own attacks with grim tenacity and superb flying skill, he destroyed one Japanese patrol plane and two ZERO fighters, thereby contributing greatly to the reduction and occupation of the Solomon Islands. His expert airmanship and aggressive fighting spirit in the face of great danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.