Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr. (NSN: 0-326457), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Wing Man on the Leader of two Fighter Planes in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. Maintaining a vigorous combat air patrol over our Task Force operating in this dangerous area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brocato initiated an attack against nine hostile fighter planes and personally succeeded in destroying four of them. By his gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty in the face of greatly superior numbers, he contributed materially to the success of our operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83)

    Action Date:

    March 23 – May 12, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr. (NSN: 0-326457), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu and Okinawa. As pilot of a carrier-based aircraft during the period 23 March 1945 to 12 May 1945 he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr. (NSN: 0-326457), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), in action on a fighter sweep in the vicinity of the Islands of Kyushu on 19 March 1945. During these flights he attacked a group of six enemy fighters and in the action shot two of them down. His skill and courage in pressing home an attack against superior numbers was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.