Navy Federal Credit Union

James Synar became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down FIVE enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)

    Action Date:

    June 5 & 7, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Stanley Thomas Synar (MCSN: 0-11068), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 5 and 7 June 1943. When his flight of fighters and bombers encountered twenty-five enemy Zeros and float biplanes following a highly successful assault on hostile shipping in the Shortland-Kahili Area, First Lieutenant Synar unhesitatingly plunged into a daring and determined attack and completely destroyed two of the biplanes. Two days later, during a series of swift, sharp engagements with an enemy fighter sweep of forty Zeros, he observed a hostile plane menacing his Division leader and promptly shot it down. First Lieutenant Synar’s heroic conduct and superb airmanship on these two occasions, as well as in numerous strafing attacks on enemy warships and ground installations in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.