Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241)

    Regiment:

    Battle of Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4 & 5, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Frank Edward Zelnis (MCSN: 265325), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Radioman-Gunner in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1942. In the first determined attack against the invading Japanese fleet, Sergeant Zelnis, as rear-seat free machine-gunner, maintained effective fire in the face of overwhelming enemy fighter opposition and fierce anti-aircraft barrage, probably shooting down one enemy fighter in this engagement. Again, on the night of 4 June, he operated his machine gun and radio during a search and attack flight carried out despite extreme darkness and under very adverse conditions. The courage and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Zelnis on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.