Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Calvin
Burkhart
July 17, 1923

–

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Calvin Burkhart (NSN: 0-306017), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 11 November 1944. Pressing home his dive bombing attack on an enemy destroyer in a harbor in the Philippine Islands, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he scored direct hits with his bombs, causing the destroyer to settle and later to sink. His courage, determination and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 035 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Calvin Burkhart (NSN: 0-306017), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against units of the Japanese Fleet in waters west of the Central Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying as wingman on a search and attack mission when an enemy task force was sighted and his division was assigned an aircraft carrier as a target, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burkhart defied the withering barrages of anti-aircraft fire to dive low over the hostile warship and release his bombs at perilously low altitude to score direct hits which started fires and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the Japanese vessel. His superb airmanship, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burkhart and the United States Naval Service.