Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Joseph Kaelin (NSN: 0-382586), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Honshu on 16 February 1945. Flying escort for a flight of bombing and torpedo planes in a coordinated attack on an enemy aircraft manufacturing plant, Ensign Kaelin led his group in repelling aggressive enemy fighter planes encountered throughout the hazardous mission. His courage, airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0576 (July 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Joseph Kaelin (NSN: 0-382586), 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 NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on 11 May 1945. Participating in combat air patrol in defense of our occupation forces at Okinawa, Ensign Kaelin intercepted a numerically superior force of hostile aircraft and, courageously engaging the enemy fighters, shot down three, probably destroyed another and damaged two Japanese planes, thereby completely disrupting the formation and eliminating a dangerous threat to our forces. His skill as an airman and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Ensign Kaelin and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    February 10 – May 10, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0-75

    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 Ensign Joseph Kaelin (NSN: 0-382586), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu and Nansei Shoto from 10 February to 10 May 1945. Participating in twenty missions during this period, Ensign Kaelin contributed materially to the extensive damage inflicted on enemy shipping, airfields and installations. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.