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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Joyce M. Bardelmeier (NSN: 0-337090), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber in an attack on enemy warships in a harbor of the Japanese home island of Honshu in 1945. Through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he dived to low altitude to deliver his bomb squarely on a Japanese destroyer, the ship being damaged to the extent that it was rolled over on its side and sunk. He added to the demoralization of the enemy by strafing and seriously damaging cargo vessels on retirement from his primary target. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Naval Fighting Squadron

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 02073 (October 13, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Joyce M. Bardelmeier (NSN: 0-337090), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber, in action on 24 June 1945, while deployed in in action against major units of the Japanese fleet lying within the strong defenses of Kure Naval Base, in Japan. After a dive through heavy clouds from 12,000 to 6,000 feet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bardelmeier attacked alone through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire a cruiser, scoring a direct hit on the stern of the warship and inflicting serious damage. By his bold attack to low altitude, although he was drawing all the fire of the cruiser’s guns, and his determination with utter disregard for his own safety to place his bomb in a vital spot, were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.