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 John Brodhead, Jr. (NSN: 0-99860), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in an attack on 11 November 1944, against an enemy convoy which was attempting to reinforce its garrison on the island of Leyte in the Visayan area of the Philippines. On this occasion, leading a division of six dive bombers, he skillfully deployed his aircraft in such a manner that maximum protection was given them against enemy anti-aircraft fire and airborne opposition as well as affording a fine tactical advantage for their individual bombing attacks. Despite intense and highly accurate anti-aircraft fire from the entire convoy and screen of destroyers, and the efforts of enemy fighters he pressed home an attack on a medium sized ammunition ship. He made a direct and destructive hit upon the target. This, together with hits by accompanying aircraft of the group, resulted in the immediate sinking of this vessel.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John Brodhead, Jr. (NSN: 0-99860), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy aircraft and aircraft installations in an island in the Marianas Group on 19 June 1944, when he, as flight leader, during the height of battle, without fighter cover, led a highly successful attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, causing great damage to the enemy and seriously interfering with the enemy’s flight operations at this critical period. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.