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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), 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 TEN (VB-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces west of the Mariana Islands, during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. By skillfully maneuvering his plane, he evaded intercepting fighters and attacked successfully an enemy aircraft carrier, placing his bomb directly upon his objective and causing definite and extensive damage. His skill, courageous conduct and aggressive a leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 94 (VB-94)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01951 (September 26, 1945)

    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 Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VB-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Yokosuka Navy Yard, Honshu, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Participating in a coordinated attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Mester pressed home his attack against an enemy battleship and, skillfully piloting his plane through intense antiaircraft fire from both warships and shore installations, scored a direct hit on the target, inflicting severe damage. His courage and airmanship reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Mester and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 94 (VB-94)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1945
    Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01959 (September 26, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VB-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Inland Sea, Japan, on 28 July 1945. During a strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Mester braved intense anti-aircraft fire to press home his attack on a hostile battleship and scored a hit near the water line, inflicting extensive underwater damage on the enemy vessel. His courage and airmanship reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Mester and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 94 (VB-94)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 9934 (December 12, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 17 February to 31 March 1944. Lieutenant Mester completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.