The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Kirkpatrick, Jr. (NSN: 0-98570), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a Scout Bomber airplane of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8) Air Group, during action against enemy Japanese forces near Santa Cruz Islands, on 26 October 1942. In the face of heavy and prolonged fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kirkpatrick pressed home a persistent attack and succeeded in scoring a direct bomb hit on a large Japanese aircraft carrier. His expert airmanship and tenacity in a critical situation contributed in a large measure to the heavy damage inflicted on the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeDivision:
U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)Action Date:
October 26, 1942
Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantAction Date:
November 1, 1944 – July 1, 1945
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Donald Kirkpatrick, Jr. (NSN: 0-98570), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Project Officer and as a Fighter Pilot at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, Inyokern, California, from 1 November 1944 to 1 July 1945.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeRegiment:
Battle of MidwayAction Date:
June 4 – 6, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Kirkpatrick, Jr. (NSN: 0-98570), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Scouting plane during the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. Participating in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kirkpatrick maintained clam and courageous conduct while attacking in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. His grim fortitude and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the victory achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 16 (VB-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
June 20, 1944
Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald Kirkpatrick, Jr., (NSN: 0-98570), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Leading his section in a daring strike against two enemy carriers far from home base, Lieutenant Kirkpatrick maneuvered for advantageous striking position and, carrying out his attack with outstanding skill in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and relentless aerial opposition, contributed materially to the sinking of one of the enemy carriers, the probable sinking of the second and to the destruction of two attacking hostile planes. Then, leading is section on the long and hazardous return flight to base, he succeeded in effecting a safe night landing on board the LEXINGTON. By his airmanship, courage and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Lieutenant Kirkpatrick upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.