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Navy Federal Credit Union
Eugene
Peter
Sonnenberg
February 15, 1920

–

March 14, 2004

Eugene Sonnenberg served as a U.S. Navy pilot in World War II, earning the Navy Cross. In 1947 he became a U.S. Air Force Officer and earned a Silver Star during the Korean War as an Air Force Fighter Pilot.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Fighting Squadron 2 (VBF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Eugene Peter Sonnenberg (NSN: 0-158126/AFSN: 0-15254061), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Fighting Squadron 2 (VBF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Eugene Peter Sonnenberg, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Fighting Squadron TWO (VBF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), on 20 June 1944, while deployed over the Philippine Sea. In the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire opposition Ensign Sonnenberg pressed home a determined dive bombing attack scoring a hit on a large enemy carrier, thereby assisting materially in its destruction. While retiring from the attack he was engaged by two enemy fighters for fifteen minutes and by superior airmanship eluded them. His 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 Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    48th Fighter-Bomber Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Eugene Peter Sonnenberg (NSN: 0-158126/AFSN: 0-15254061), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    48th Fighter-Bomber Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Eugene Peter Sonnenberg (NSN: 0-158126/AFSN: 0-15254061), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    48th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 71 (February 11, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Eugene Peter Sonnenberg (NSN: 0-158126/AFSN: 0-15254061), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Squadron Leader of eight F-84 aircraft, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 11 July 1952. On that date, Major Sonnenberg led his Squadron through marginal weather to strategic machine and repair shops at Pyongyang, Korea. While preparing to attack the target, Major Sonnenberg’s aircraft sustained major damage in the right wing from intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite the crippled condition of his aircraft, Major Sonnenberg at great personal risk, led the attack on the target. The devastating attack under Major Sonnenberg’s competent leadership, was credited with complete destruction of eleven buildings, with ninety-five percent target coverage. Through his keen flying skill, high personal courage in the face of determined enemy opposition, and exemplary devotion to duty, Major Sonnenberg reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.