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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Allan Rothenberg, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Seaplane in Patrol Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VP-51), in the Solomon Islands Area on 16 October and 20 October 1942. Skillfully locating a hostile cruiser off Santa Cruz Islands in the misty darkness of early morning on 16 October 1942, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rothenberg, on his first attack, swept too close to the vessel for a release which would arm his torpedo. Coming back in a determined second run, he defied a tremendous hail of anti-aircraft fire to score a direct hit on the enemy ship. On 20 October 1942, off Guadalcanal, he located and attacked two other Japanese cruisers through a deadly screen of bursting shell, leaving one badly damaged and lying dead in the water. His superb airmanship and courageous initiative, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Patrol Squadron 51 (VP-51)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Allan Rothenberg, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Seaplane in Patrol Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VP-51), during the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. Ensign Rothenberg distinguished himself by the success of the plane which he commanded in locating enemy Japanese forces 560 miles from his base during the Battle of Midway, and, closing the range, in boldly attacking the enemy with torpedo fire. Ensign Rothenberg’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    October 13 – 30, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Allan Rothenberg, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 13 October 1942 to 30 October 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rothenberg 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.