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.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)Action Date:
November 25, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0563 (December 21, 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 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.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Joseph Francis Bolger (NSN: 0-56908), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air from 10 October 1942 to 1 June 1944. Captain Bolger by his superior administrative ability, his knowledge of the Naval Aeronautical Organization, his leadership, and his outstanding devotion to duty, has made contributions of the greatest value to the progress of the war. His untiring efforts and outstanding performance of duty have been exemplary and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.