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.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
48th Fighter-Bomber WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
48th Fighter-Bomber WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
48th Fighter-Bomber GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction 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.