The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Leonard Arlo Gundert (NSN: 0-157638), 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-NINE (VF-49), attached to the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet anchored in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Flying as Division Leader of a strike group in an attack against the hostile Naval Base, Lieutenant Gundert skillfully maneuvered his plane for maximum striking power in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from both shore and shipboard batteries and, pressing home his attack, scored a direct hit on the superstructure of the battleship, ISE. His superb airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with 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
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Leonard Arlo Gundert (NSN: 0-157638), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Flight Leader and Pilot in Carrier Air Group One Hundred Two, attached to the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area on 2 September 1951. Leading a flight of Corsairs and Skyraiders in a strike on an important hostile bridge near Changnim-ni, Lieutenant Gundert fought his plane gallantly in the face of a terrific barrage of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. Observing the strategic value of the hostile bridge, he spearheaded a second attack which resulted in direct hits on the objective and in the infliction of severe damage on the enemy with only superficial damage to one of his planes. By his skilled leadership and aggressive tactics, he contributed materially to the severing of a vital hostile supply route, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Leonard Arlo Gundert (NSN: 0-157638), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight in operations against Japanese airfields on the Island of Honshu on 10 August 1945. Lieutenant Gundert, as leader of a group of fighter planes, was directed to attack the enemy airfield of Mamurogawa. The flight, hindered by very unfavorable weather conditions had considerable difficulty in locating their target. Lieutenant Gundert led his division below a solid overcast in a daring, low level search of the Japanese countryside in an effort to locate the enemy airfield. Upon finding the assigned airfield he led the strike force to the attack. Upon successful completion of their attack on this field the strike group was directed to another airfield by Lieutenant Gundert who had again discovered a large concentration of hidden enemy aircraft. Due to the excellent camouflage employed by the enemy it was necessary for him to conduct his searches at dangerously low levels leaving himself vulnerable to any possible enemy anti-aircraft fire. After making many daring runs he destroyed 12 and damaged many enemy aircraft. On this strike Lieutenant Gundert found three air fields which had large concentrations of hidden enemy airplanes, led the strike group in attack against these opportune targets and initiated the low level runs of the strike group which accounted for some 50 or more destroyed and an equal number of damaged enemy aircraft. His daring leadership and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Leonard Arlo Gundert (NSN: 0-157638), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Nansei Shoto. As pilot of a carrier based fighter plane during the period 13 May 1945 to 28 July 1945 he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His leadership and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.