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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Albert Seckel, Jr. (NSN: 0-106945), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight 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 Pacific Ocean Area during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    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, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Albert Seckel, Jr. (NSN: 0-106945), 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), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. After providing cover for a flight of dive bombers and torpedo planes to units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Seckel personally led his division through extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to strafe and bomb a large enemy carrier. He scored a direct bomb hit on this carrier which was engulfed by tremendous explosions and huge fires. It was left listing to port and sinking rapidly at the stern. Lieutenant Seckel’s inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0724 (October 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Albert Seckel, Jr. (NSN: 0-106945), 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), assigned to sweep against enemy aircraft on the islands of the Philippine Group on 12 September 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Seckel sighted a flight of twelve enemy fighters and immediately maneuvered his four-plane division into an attack against them. By aggressive action, he personally shot down four of these fighters and the three other members of his team shot down three more. When the air was cleared of opposition he repeatedly led his team in determined strafing attacks on the enemy airfield. The Team destroyed twelve enemy fighters on the ground and damaged several others. Of these, Lieutenant Seckel personally destroyed five. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.