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 Captain Joseph Francis Bolger (NSN: 0-56908), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action in support of the Leyte Gulf Operation launched against Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 November 1944. A forceful and courageous leader, handling his ship superbly under extremely heavy Japanese aerial attacks, Captain Bolger directed his command with exceptional efficiency as two enemy suicide planes crashed on the flight deck during the fiercely fought engagement. Prompt and skilled in the execution of control measures despite the hazards and difficulties of enveloping smoke and spreading flames, he not only held to a minimum the losses of personnel and material damage to his ship but succeeded in providing sustained anti-aircraft fire against continued aerial attack. His capable organization and direction of activities and his gallant fighting spirit throughout a grave emergency were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Joseph Francis Bolger (NSN: 0-56908), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), the Flagship of the Task Group, during sustained offensive operations against the enemy from 29 August 1944 to 9 November 1944. Within air striking distance of the main Japanese Battle Fleet and a large enemy carrier task force during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 24, 25 and 26 October, Captain Bolger conducted the operations of his ship brilliantly and with outstanding combat efficiency, enabling the INTREPID to employ the full fighting strength of her guns and embarked aircraft against vital units of the enemy surface and air forces with decisive and devastating effect. When a Japanese suicide plane crashed the port gun gallery, on 29 October, he quickly instituted measures to extinguish the fires and to restore the ship to an immediate combat status. A gallant and daring seaman, Captain Bolger played an important and aggressive part in numerous vital engagements throughout this period and, by his inspiring leadership, courageous initiative and exceptional professional skill, aided immeasurably in destroying the enemy’s sea and air power and in driving the Japanese steadily westward. The conduct of Captain Bolger throughout these actions reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.