Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Larry
Russel
Self
December 22, 1918

–

July 11, 1990

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Larry Self became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 8.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Larry Russel Self (NSN: 0-329457), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0429 (December 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Larry Russel Self (NSN: 0-329457), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Self made a direct hit with his bomb on an enemy carrier which materially contributed to its sinking. His heroism, courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 366 (August 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Larry Russel Self (NSN: 0-329457), 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 a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), over the Central Philippine Islands, on 13 September 1944.