The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold Edward Segal (MCSN: 0-14615), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as wingman attached to Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 25 June 1943 to 8 August 1943. As a member of a flight of fighters, First Lieutenant Segal, on 30 June, intercepted a formation of enemy aircraft over the New Georgia area and, in the ensuing action, shot down a Japanese bomber and Zero. During a patrol flight on 11 July, he joined another plane in an assault against fifteen hostile bombers with escort and, despite his crippled engine, valiantly attacked against tremendous odds, shooting down three Zeros before attempting to take off for his base. Followed and strafed by enemy fighters while making a forced water landing, he was eventually picked up by our surface craft. On 6 August, while escorting a photographic mission over hostile territory, he destroyed two enemy fighters which attempted to intercept and, although his plane was badly damaged by shellfire, succeeded in bringing it safely back to base. His brilliant tactical skill and unswerving devotion to duty were 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
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221)Action Date:
October 11 – November 18, 1943
SPOT Award: Serial 002164 (September 29, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold Edward Segal (MCSN: 0-14615), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 11 October 1943 to 18 November 1943. Flying as wingman, First Lieutenant Segal took part in numerous raids, fighter sweeps, task force covers, strafing missions and patrols deep into enemy territory, often in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. Accompanied by one other plane while flying cover for a task force on 17 November, he attacked six Japanese bombers and, diving on three of the hostile craft, sent two crashing into the sea, then pressing home his attack against the third, succeeded in destroying it. First Lieutenant Segal’s superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115)Action Date:
July 2 – 20, 1945
1st Marine Aircraft Wing SPOT: A-555The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Harold Edward Segal (MCSN: 0-14615), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-115), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area from 2 to 20 July 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Captain Segal contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.