Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Henry
Sorensen
July 24, 1920

–

October 1, 1983

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 358 (January 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Charles Henry Sorensen (NSN: 0-98359), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in scoring a hit on a Japanese transport in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 364 (June 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Charles Henry Sorensen (NSN: 0-98359), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), over the Mariana Islands on 12 June 1944.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Charles Henry Sorensen (NSN: 0-98359), 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 FIFTEEN (VT-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. Despite extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Sorensen led his Division on a successful torpedo attack. Pressing home his own attack to close range, he obtained a hit on an enemy battleship, forcing the ship to turn in such a way as to present a perfect target for the following torpedo pilots. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 365 (July 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Charles Henry Sorensen (NSN: 0-98359), 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 while serving with Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 21 September 1944.