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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander LeRoy Coard Simpler, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during operations against the Japanese-occupied Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. Boldly leading twelve planes of his squadron in determined and repeated machine gun strafing attacks against enemy land troops and sea installations, Lieutenant Commander Simpler assisted effectively in silencing Japanese opposition and assuring the consummation of our landing operations without undue casualties. His inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to the accomplishment of this important mission were instrumental in the successful invasion of our forces in that area.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    September 11 – October 6, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander LeRoy Coard Simpler (NSN: 0-62525), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period 11 September 1942 through 6 October 1942. Leading his squadron daringly and fearlessly against overwhelming formations of enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Commander Simpler contributed to the destruction of seventeen Japanese planes from 12 to 14 September, and, on 2 October, personally shot down one Zero-type fighter. Vigorously pressing forward attacks in the face of fierce enemy opposition, the squadron under Lieutenant Commander Simpler’s command accounted for thirty-five enemy aircraft during its service in this area. His superb leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 29 – July 27, 1953
    All Hands (June 1954)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain LeRoy Coard Simpler (NSN: 0-62525), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Naval Liaison Officer in the Joint Operations Center at Seoul, Korea, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 29 June to 27 July 1953. Exercising exceptional foresight and judgment during this period, Captain Simpler ably selected targets for the effective employment of naval air power while serving with the Headquarters United States FIFTH Air Force where all target information for the conduct of the Korean conflict was assembled and evaluated. A capable and resourceful officer, he rendered invaluable assistance to the Fleet Commander in the further development of the highly successful concept of close air tactical support of friendly forces along the front lines during the final days of combat, and contributed directly to the success of friendly ground units in repelling enemy assaults. By his inspiring leadership, resourceful initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Captain Simpler materially aided the successful efforts of friendly forces in Korea and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Captain Simpler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander LeRoy Coard Simpler, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands campaign in 1942. Leading his squadron in a vigorous and determined attack against an enemy air group headed toward our surface forces, Lieutenant Commander Simpler, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, contributed greatly to the aggressive fighting spirit and high combat efficiency that enabled his squadron to destroy nineteen Japanese aircraft and damage three more. His superb airmanship and unyielding devotion to the fulfillment of a highly important mission contributed immeasurably to the defeat of a persistent foe and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.