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Navy Federal Credit Union
Edwin
John
Kroeger
October 29, 1913

–

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 31 & February 1, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edwin John Kroeger, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane during the attacks upon Japanese installations in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands on 31 January 1942 and 1 February 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kroger, through skillful handling of his plane and excellent marksmanship, shot down one of the enemy fighters which attacked the formation in which he was flying, and then continued the attack. While returning to his carrier, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Kroeger was jumped by another enemy fighter and his airplane was riddled with bullets. Though wounded, he skillfully maneuvered his craft so that his radio-gunner, who courageously manned the free machine gun, was able to shoot down the enemy plane. He then safely landed his airplane on his aircraft carrier despite the damage.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 344 (November 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Edwin John Kroeger, United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as Pilot of a Bombing Plane during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 26 October 1944. 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.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edwin John Kroeger, 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 SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kroeger, with bold determination and courageous zeal, led his squadron in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 354 (September 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Edwin John Kroeger, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a Bombing Squadron over Hong Kong on 16 January 1945.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 21, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 354 (September 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Edwin John Kroeger, 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 Commanding Officer of a Bombing Squadron over Takao, Formosa, on 21 January 1945.