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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Leonard Emil Ewoldt (NSN: 0-78834), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron FIVE (VT-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in two attacks against Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor, on 4 May 1942. These attacks, pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy vessels. Lieutenant Ewoldt’s airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 7 (VT-7)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Leonard Emil Ewoldt (NSN: 0-78834), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron SEVEN (VT-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Formosa, on 3 January 1945. When his torpedo hung up in the bomb bay of his plane during a strike against an enemy convoy, Commander Ewoldt returned alone and executed a second run over the hostile vessels in the face of anti-aircraft fire, bringing the attack to a successful conclusion. By his courage and initiative, Commander Ewoldt upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.