The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Bert Eckard, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 11 May 1945. Leading his Division to take station north of Okinawa in defense of our invasion forces, Lieutenant Eckard intercepted a numerically superior force of hostile aircraft and, succeeded in downing five and in damaging another Japanese fighter, thereby eliminating a serious threat to our forces. By his skill as an airman and gallant fighting spirit, Lieutenant Eckard upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting SquadronAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Bert Eckard, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in a Navy Fighting Squadron, in action against the enemy during World War II.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting SquadronAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Bert Eckard, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in a Navy Fighting Squadron, in action against the enemy during World War II.