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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 [then Ensign] Ira Cassius Kepford (NSN: 0-145744), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), embarked in the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, on 29 January 1944. Intercepted by a numerically superior force of Japanese planes while flying escort for a bomber strike over Tobara airfield, Lieutenant Kepford and a companion engaged twelve enemy planes and, pressing home his repeated attacks, personally shot down four of the hostile aircraft. By his expert airmanship and courage in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Kepford contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17)

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00816 (March 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Ira Cassius Kepford (NSN: 0-145744), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), embarked in the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, on 11 November 1943. While covering United States Task Force FIFTY POINT THREE (TF-50.3) in Empress Augusta Bay, Kepford participated in an engagement involving approximately one hundred Japanese aircraft. Gallantly pressing home his attacks through intense anti-aircraft fire, he destroyed four enemy bombers and damaged another out of a formation of thirty. His courage and airmanship reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Kepford and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17)

    Action Date:

    October 27 – December 1, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Ira Cassius Kepford (NSN: 0-145744), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Fighting Plane, attached to Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, 27 October to 1 December 1943. Participating in numerous combat missions, several of which were opposed by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Kepford vigorously pressed home attacks in the face of numerically superior enemy forces. His courage and airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17)

    Action Date:

    January 27 – February 27, 1944
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 01705 (August 4, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Ira Cassius Kepford (NSN: 0-145744), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), embarked in the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), operating against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific from 27 January to 27 February 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant Kepford skillfully shot down two and probably a third of sixty enemy fighters attacking his formation during a bomber strike escort mission, and later in another engagement, fought his ship bravely, shooting down one fighter and destroying another after his own plane was damaged. Returning to his base following an escort assignment, on 19 February, he dauntlessly destroyed an enemy float plane off Cape Siar and, when he was attacked by twenty zeroes in an ensuing action, steadfastly maneuvered his plane to shoot down one Zero, and to force another into the sea. His unfaltering courage, superb airmanship and devotion to duty throughout this period were factors responsible for the total of eight Japanese planes, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.