The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Ernest Sipprell (NSN: 0-263993), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-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. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major units of the Task Force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy light cruiser scoring a direct hit with his torpedo which seriously damaged the vessel. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Ernest Sipprell (NSN: 0-263993), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during offensive air operations against enemy shipping on 5 November 1944, in Manila Bay on the Island of Luzon, of the Philippine Group. Skillfully and courageously Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack to close range and secured a direct torpedo hit on the enemy heavy cruiser. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.