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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Fred Leroy Dungan, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as a Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 19 June 1944 in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands. After having completed his assigned mission he voluntarily made low photographic runs over an enemy airfield in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, and upon the unexpected approach of a group of more than fifty enemy planes to the field, turned immediately to the attack with heavy odds against him. Shooting down one enemy torpedo plane and one enemy fighter, assisting in the destruction of three more enemy planes, two fighters and one torpedo plane, he thus contributed materially to insure the safety of the fleet from heavy air attack. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    July 4, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Fred Leroy Dungan, 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 TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in the vicinity of Bonin Island on 4 July 1944. While participating in a mission over enemy territory, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dungan was attacked by several float fighter planes and, although alone and outnumbered many times, he did not break away from the pursuing planes, but remained with them until another carrier-based fighter plane came to his assistance. He then turned into the enemy and, by the exercise of intelligence, courage and brilliant tactical skill, he shot down four of the attacking enemy planes. Although severely wounded in the left shoulder during the battle, he brought his own plane safely home, making a successful carrier landing. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.