(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Harmon Tischer Utter (NSN: 0-71344), 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 during World War II.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Patrol Squadron 101 (VP-101)Division:
Patrol Wing 10Action Date:
December 10, 1941
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Harmon Tischer Utter (NSN: 0-71344), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Patrol Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VP-101), Patrol Wing TEN (Patwing-10), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1941. Despite the fact that the plane was heavily laden with a torpedo and bombs, his skillful piloting made it possible for his crew to shoot down one enemy Japanese fighter. In addition to this action the subsequent skillful landing of his injured plane in a heavy sea without further injury to it or its personnel made possible to have the plane in service again on the following day.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 83 (AG-83)Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)Action Date:
April 7, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0857 (July 6, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Harmon Tischer Utter (NSN: 0-71344), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Air Group EIGHTY-THREE (AG-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action on 7 April 1945, while deployed over the East China Sea. As Air Coordinator and Strike Commander of the flights of planes launched from carriers of our task force for the attack, Commander Utter displayed aggressive and cool leadership. Despite the hazards of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the enemy fleet and the poor weather conditions encountered, he courageously and skillfully coordinated the attack which led to the sinking of a Japanese battleship, a cruiser, and four destroyers. His determination and inspired leadership materially contributed to the success of the operation and the damage inflicted upon the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 83Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)Action Date:
March 18 – August 12, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Harmon Tischer Utter (NSN: 0-71344), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States As Commander of Air Group EIGHTY-THREE, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 18 March to 12 August 1945. As coordinator of numerous air strikes against the enemy, Commander Utter demonstrated outstanding leadership and ability under attack. As Task Force coordinator of the airborne strike against an enemy battleship in Yokosuka Naval Base on 18 July, he skillfully directed the attack which resulted in the serious damaging of this vessel. By his tireless efforts, initiative and unremitting devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of his air group in the Pacific. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Utter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)