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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 Commander [then Lieutenant] Carland Edward Brunmier (NSN: 0-84200), 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 FORTY-FOUR (VF-44), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. After one of our carriers had been seriously damaged, Lieutenant Commander Brunmier courageously led his division in a daring attack against twelve Japanese fighter planes within a much larger formation and, despite the overwhelming odds, succeeded in destroying three enemy planes, thereby contributing in large measure to the dispersal of the hostile forces at a critical time when it was within thirty miles of our surface units. By his splendid airmanship and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Brunmier upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 44 (VF-44)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Langley (CV-27)

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Carland Edward Brunmier (NSN: 0-84200), 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 FORTY-FOUR (VF-44), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in operations against the enemy on 6 November 1944 in the Philippine Sea. As the leader of a fighter division of four planes on combat patrol he attacked a group of enemy fighter aircraft and destroyed two of them. His excellent leadership, superb tactics and high courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.