The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Emery Phillips (NSN: 0-278201), 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 NINETEEN (VF-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese surface Fleet Units on 24 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. A skilled and intrepid airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips boldly maneuvered in over the area to press home a devastating strafing and glide bombing attack on a large enemy aircraft carrier. Plunging through intense anti-aircraft fire sent up from ships in the convoy, he dropped his bomb load at perilously low altitude, scoring a direct hit and leaving the hostile vessel burning and dead in the water. By his superb flying ability, gallant fighting spirit and daring combat tactics maintained in the face of terrific opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips contributed materially to the success of our forces in delivering a crippling blow to the Japanese Fleet in this intensive action, and his courageous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
September 12 & October 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Emery Phillips (NSN: 0-278201), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Aircraft in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, 12 September and 24 October 1944. Participating in an escort to cover bombers in a mission against enemy airfields in the Philippine Islands, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips boldly launched a relentless attack against two hostile aircraft and skillfully maneuvered his plane to shoot them down. When the air was clear, he heroically ran through intense anti-aircraft fire and made several low strafing runs upon this field, setting three more aircraft on fire. Again on 24 October, while flying a sector search during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips flew unobserved down sun upon a Japanese plane and destroyed it. By his superb airmanship and expert marksmanship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips contributed materially to the success of his squadron during a period of sustained aerial activity. His gallant fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.