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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Michael Holt Kernodle (NSN: 0-57086), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in action against the enemy during the period 22 March 1945 through 19 May 1945, in the Pacific War Area. Although subjected to numerous enemy air attacks in force he maneuvered his ship to bring all guns to bear and successfully shot down several planes without damage to his ship. He directed his ship and air group in an outstanding manner against the enemy accounting for forty-seven enemy planes and shore installations and destruction of enemy shipping. His inspiring leadership consistently maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high peak and made possible the outstanding record of destruction wrought upon the enemy. His courageous and inspiring leadership and professional skill 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:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Jacinto (CVL-30)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01053 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Michael Holt Kernodle (NSN: 0-57086), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), on 25 October 1944. In an engagement with a major detachment of the enemy fleet the skill, battle organization and aggressiveness of his command contributed in large measure to the decisive defeat of the enemy force. In this action all four of the enemy carriers in the force were sunk and most of the remaining ships were either damaged or destroyed. His personal heroism, professional skill and inspiring example were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Wasp (CV-7)

    Action Date:

    August 7 & 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Michael Holt Kernodle (NSN: 0-57086), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Air Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during operations at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands during the landings of American forces on 7 and 8 August 1942. Commander Kernodle’s efficient and skillful direction of the air department of the carrier U.S.S. WASP contributed not only to the defeat of hostile forces during the initial landing in the area, but also to the success of long sustained and arduous operations in support of the Tulagi-Guadalcanal position. His courageous leadership and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Jacinto

    Action Date:

    July 1 – August 15, 1945
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 07303 (December 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Michael Holt Kernodle (NSN: 0-57086), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 July 1945 to 15 August 1945, while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO. During the period of time mentioned, the Task Group was engaged in active combat operations against the enemy at sea and against the main homeland of Japan. In command of this important unit of our forces, he displayed qualities of leadership which maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a very high level and materially contributed to the outstanding record of destruction of enemy forces and installations. His courageous, inspiring leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Kernodle is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)