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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Henry Vincent Bonzagni, Jr. (NSN: 0-115000), 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 19 (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while leading a division of fighter aircraft against the enemy during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Bonzagni successfully led his division on two strike missions and in cooperation with bombing and Torpedo Planes inflicted heavy damage on major units of the enemy fleet. He personally strafed an aircraft carrier which was left in a burning and sinking condition. This was accomplished through intense anti-aircraft fire. Again the same day he led his division in a strafing and bombing attack against an enemy battleship. He led his fighters in extended strafing attacks on nearby enemy cruisers and destroyers which were greatly hindering our bomber and torpedo aircraft by their concentrated anti-aircraft barrage. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Henry Vincent Bonzagni, Jr. (NSN: 0-115000), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in an aerial flight against enemy forces on 24 October 1944. When his carrier force was about to be attacked by enemy bombers, he aggressively led his division against them so that six were shot down of which he personally shot down three. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.