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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 Commander Edward William Hessel, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), while leading a flight of six carrier-based fighters escorting bomber and torpedo aircraft in an attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant Commander Hessel skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a coordinated attack against a Task Force of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers, and destroyers. During the action he led the attack by strafing and bombing two enemy destroyers of the screen. He dove his airplane through concentrated and intense anti-aircraft fire, to silence their guns, thereby contributing materially to the sinking of the destroyers and the effectiveness of the attack upon the heavier ships by accompanying dive bombers and torpedo aircraft. His exemplary courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 82 (VF-82)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 82 (AG-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    February 16 & 17, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Edward William Hessel, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action in the Tokyo Area, on 16 and 17 February 1945. On the first day Lieutenant Commander Hessel led his squadron through foul weather to strike at enemy aircraft and airfield installations. In spite of strong air opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, six enemy aircraft were destroyed in the air and an undetermined number of parked aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground by airplanes under his command. On the following day he again led his squadron against another heavily defended airfield in an attack which resulted in the destruction of four airborne enemy aircraft and in the probable destruction of one other. His courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty in the accomplishment of these missions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.