The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Albert Ogden Vorse, Jr. (NSN: 0-78768), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in action while deployed over Formosa. Skillfully leading eight fighter and thirteen bomber planes in a strike against enemy shipping, Commander Vorse broke through solid overcast at 2,000 feet and saw a large enemy TERUTSUKI Class Destroyer below. Commending his masthead attack amid extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire, he released his 1,000-pound bomb and scored a direct hit on the ship which was seen to explode shortly afterwards. Although over six feet of his starboard wing was blown off by enemy fire, Commander Vorse completed his attack and successfully maneuvered his plane back to the Task Group where he was forced to make a difficult water landing. His gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were 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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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)Action Date:
February 20, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Albert Ogden Vorse, Jr. (NSN: 0-78768), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), when, on 20 February 1942, in enemy waters, he made vigorous and determined attacks, in the face of combined enemy machine gun and cannon fire against a formation of enemy heavy bombers, and he, with the assistance of his teammate, caused the destruction of one enemy bomber.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Albert Ogden Vorse, Jr. (NSN: 0-78768), 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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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Batallion:
Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80)Division:
U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CV-14)Action Date:
February 16, 1945
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0277 (March 30, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Albert Ogden Vorse, Jr. (NSN: 0-78768), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a U.S. Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), embarked in the U.S.S. TICNDEROGA (CV-14), in an aerial flight in the Tokyo area on 16 February 1945. Leading a formation of eighteen fighters on a sweep against enemy air power and air installations, Lieutenant Commander Vorse shot down four enemy aircraft in the air and destroyed two more on the ground. His skillful and courageous leadership amid heavy anti-aircraft fire aided the planes following him to gravely damage ground installations as well as to return to the carrier without the loss of a pilot. His cool judgment, great flying ability, and utter disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.