Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    12th Squadron

    Regiment:

    60th Troop Carrier Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 9, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 3 (February 9, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Leon David Stipe (ASN: 17037932), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a C-47 Troop Carrier Airplane in the 12th Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in an air mission on 9 November 1942, in Algeria. Single-handed, from the door of a troop carrier airplane in flight, Sergeant Stipe operated a machine gun against attacking aircraft. When seriously wounded in the foot, he continued to operate his weapon until he was struck in the head by enemy fire. The courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Stipe in an action which cost him his life reflects the greatest credit upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.