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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Willard Ernest Eder, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct in aerial combat, as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), when on 20 February 1942, in enemy waters, he made vigorous and determined attacks, in the face of combined enemy machine gun and cannon fire against a formation of enemy heavy bombers, and he, with the assistance of his teammate, caused the destruction of one enemy bomber.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Willard Ernest Eder, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Willard Ernest Eder, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in a Navy Fighting Squadron, during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Willard Ernest Eder, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 7 and 8 May 1942, in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. With accurate understanding of his objective and bold perseverance in attaining it, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Eder destroyed one Japanese fighter plane and courageously attacked several others. His high devotion to duty in the performance of a dangerous and difficult task contributed measurably to the defense of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.