Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
John
Paskoski
February 22, 1919

–

April 15, 2008

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Joseph Paskoski became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down six enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Joseph John Paskoski (NSN: 0-116524), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a vigorous strike against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant Commander Paskoski gallantly plunged through a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire and skillfully assisted in delivering accurate strafing and glide-bombing attacks. During this action, he expertly maneuvered his plane to release a well-directed bomb at very low altitude, scoring a direct hit upon the battleship and aiding in retarding its progress. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and intrepid action Lieutenant Commander Paskoski contributed materially to the infliction of overwhelming damage upon the Japanese forces during this Battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty maintained throughout reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 12 – 24, 1944
    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Joseph John Paskoski (NSN: 0-116524), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Formosa and Philippine islands Areas, from 12 to 24 October 1944. Intercepting a numerically superior group of hostile fighters while making a sweep against Japanese forces over Formosa, Lieutenant Commander Paskoski aggressively attacked, shooting four craft flaming to the ground, seriously damaging another, and contributing materially to the destruction of a major portion of the formation. During the savagely fought Battle for Leyte Gulf, Lieutenant Commander Paskoski demolished a float plane over Japanese surface units and heroically dived through heavy anti-aircraft fire to deliver accurate low-level strafing attacks upon the enemy Fleet, enabling our bomber and torpedo forces to inflict crippling blows to these surface units. By his superb airmanship, daring initiative and expert marksmanship, Lieutenant Commander Paskoski rendered invaluable service to his squadron during a critical battle. His valiant fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.