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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Herman Joseph Rossi, Jr. (NSN: 0-99730), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Rossi led his division on a successful strike against an enemy battleship. Although the anti-aircraft fire was intense, he took his division down on a well-executed glide bombing attack and personally made a low accurate drop, after strafing on the way down. Severe damage was done to the battleship by this attack. Lieutenant Rossi’s inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VT-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 12 – November 5, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0572 (December 22, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Herman Joseph Rossi, Jr. (NSN: 0-99730), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action on 12 October 1944, when he shot down an enemy aircraft that attempted to intercept a strike he was escorting. Then, on 14 October 1944, he turned to overtake an enemy aircraft and through skill and persistence shot it down before it could attack his Task Force. Again on 5 November 1944, he pressed home a rocket attack on a Japanese heavy cruiser scoring two direct hits and then later that day on a separate mission shot down two enemy aircraft that attempted to attack his group. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.