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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leonard Raymond Swanson (NSN: 0-99819), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while on a search flight over enemy territory in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Swanson sighted nineteen enemy ships, about five of which were believed to be warships, and in spite of intense continuous anti-aircraft fire he made a one-plane bombing attack with one fighter escort after first successfully reporting the contact. In addition he persistently strafed and inflicted much damage upon the enemy. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0950 (January 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leonard Raymond Swanson (NSN: 0-99819), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Swanson pressed his attack extremely low, scored a direct hit, and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Leonard Raymond Swanson (NSN: 0-99819), 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 Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet units during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands, on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant Swanson pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of that vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.