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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] Winfield Higdon Junk, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VT-21), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands, on 19 and 25 October 1944. Leading four planes in a raid on enemy shipping in Manila Harbor on 19 October, against fierce enemy opposition, Lieutenant Commander Junk aided in the damaging of a large tanker and a cargo ship. Flying in low over his target in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October, he pressed home a close-range attack against an enemy Task Force to score a direct and damaging hit on an aircraft carrier. By his outstanding ability as an airman, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Junk contributed to the infliction of extensive damage upon the enemy 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:

    Torpedo Squadron 21 (VT-21)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Winfield Higdon Junk, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. Taking part in numerous bombing attacks in the Solomon Islands area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Junk made a low-altitude attack on a Japanese cargo ship and scored a direct hit which sank it. He also contributed to the sinking of a seaplane tender in an attack against the tender and four enemy warships. He made other runs against enemy shipping and troops positions, and carried out hazardous night mine laying operations.