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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Donald Francis Banker (NSN: 0-85095), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Squadron Commander in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during offensive air operations against enemy Japanese forces in Manila Harbor, Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. Lieutenant Commander Banker led his flight in a vigorous, intensive attack against the Japanese fleet units. In bold defiance of the enemy’s fierce aerial opposition, he plunged through withering anti-aircraft fire to press home his attack. Accurately releasing his bomb load at perilously low altitude, he succeeded in scoring a direct hit on an enemy heavy cruiser which contributed materially to her destruction before his plane was shot down as he pulled out of his dive. Lieutenant Commander Banker’s superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and extreme courage in the face of tremendous odds during this and numerous other brilliantly executed strikes were essential factors in the extensive and costly damage inflicted on hostile shipping, shore installations and aircraft in the Pacific War Area. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Banker throughout these actions reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Donald Francis Banker (NSN: 0-85095), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber and Flight Leader in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-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. Skillfully directing his group in a strike against a large Japanese aircraft carrier and other surface units, Lieutenant Commander Banker boldly dived through the intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition and expertly maneuvered his planes at low altitude to score a direct hit on a carrier, contributing materially to her ultimate sinking. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Commander Banker was instrumental in inflicting extensive damage upon the Japanese Fleet during the battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty throughout a period of decisive activity reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Donald Francis Banker (NSN: 0-85095), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot and Flight leader of Bomber Aircraft in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Assigned to strike an enemy battleship and other major Japanese Fleet units, Commander Banker heroically plunged through a heavy barrage of continuous and intense anti-aircraft fire and personally scored a direct hit upon the battleship. By his superb airmanship, daring aggressiveness and expert marksmanship, Lieutenant Commander Banker rendered invaluable service to our forces during a critical battle. His inspiring leadership and outstanding courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944
    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Serial 0724 (October 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald Francis Banker (NSN: 0-85095), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands on 21 September 1944. While executing one of the finest aerial attacks upon shipping in this area, and within a few miles of one of the enemy’s greatest concentrations of air power, he executed a daring dive bombing attack in the face of anti-aircraft fire and obtained a direct hit upon an enemy ship, which resulted in the immediate sinking of same. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.