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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Norman Jack Kleiss, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), in the attacks on Kwajalein and Maleolap Atolls, Marshall Islands, on 1 February 1942. His initiative and determination in the execution of these missions, effected in the face of enemy fighter opposition and heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulted in heavy losses to the enemy and enabled him to score a direct hit on a light cruiser. His courage and performance of duty on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Norman Jack Kleiss, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kleiss, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His gallant perseverance and utter disregard for his own personal safety were important contributing factors to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.