The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Ralph Arnold Embree (NSN: 0-77166), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot and Acting Squadron Commander of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VS-41), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco during the period 8 to 11 November 1942. On 8 November 1942, Lieutenant Embree led five flights in dive bombing attacks on hostile combatant ships in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. These attacks severely damaged many units of the hostile ships and contributed greatly to the total effort of reducing the resistance to the landing. On 9 November 1942, Lieutenant Embree led two flights in dive bombing attacks on coastal defense batteries in the face of anti-aircraft fire. The courage, initiative, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Embree in the actions described reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Bombing SquadronDivision:
U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)Action Date:
February 16 & 17, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0503 (May 22, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Commander Ralph Arnold Embree (NSN: 0-77166), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while participating as Commanding Officer of a Bombing Squadron and as a Pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15). He participated in the first attack by Navy carrier-based aircraft on the Tokyo Area. He led his squadron in coordinated bombing attacks on two important aircraft plants on 16 and 17 February 1945, on both occasions personally scoring direct bomb hits on the target. His determination to press home the attacks in spite of extremely adverse weather conditions, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and enemy fighter opposition, his courage, and inspiring leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Bombing SquadronDivision:
U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)Action Date:
February 16 – May 4, 1945
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0126 (May 26, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Ralph Arnold Embree (NSN: 0-77166), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Japanese Empire and adjacent Island chains. As Pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February to 4 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.