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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 June 1944. When his squadron was attacked by overwhelming numbers of enemy fighter planes as it proceeded to the target, Lieutenant Twelves participated in a counterattack and, skillfully maneuvering his plane in the face of intense opposition destroyed two of the intercepting fighters, thereby contributing materially to the total destruction by his squadron of twenty enemy planes. His airmanship and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Twelves and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 366 (August 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy over the Central Philippine Islands while serving as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9) on 13 September 1944. As a Section Leader proceeding on a fighter sweep mission to the target his squadron was attacked by an overwhelming number of enemy fighter airplanes. Although outnumbered and under constant attack from enemy fighters, he repeatedly intervened with great courage and skill, and with such decisive effect as to destroy personally three enemy fighter airplanes, probably destroy a fourth, and damage many others while airborne, thereby contributing materially to the total destruction of twenty-nine enemy aircraft and enable friendly dive and torpedo bombers to conduct their attack and retire without casualties. He also was able to press home determined and repeated strafing attacks against enemy aircraft on the ground in the face of anti-aircraft fire, destroying four enemy aircraft by burning. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0429 (December 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Intercepting an overwhelming force of hostile aircraft during a combat air patrol mission, Lieutenant Twelves engaged the enemy in furious combat, shooting down three planes and assisting in dispersing the enemy’s attack. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Twelves upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wendell Van Twelves, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    July 20 – 25, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 10077 (November 1, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 20 to 25 July 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Twelves contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), 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 FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. In the face of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Twelves pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, making a direct hit on a Japanese aircraft carrier, materially contributing to its sinking. Undaunted in the face of relentless, devastating anti-aircraft fire, he rendered gallant service during the bitterly fought engagement in which all carriers, a light cruiser and a destroyer of the enemy’s task force were sunk and heavy bomb and torpedo damage inflicted on battleships and other important naval units. By his daring airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Twelves contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 13– November 11, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 10077 (November 1, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 13 October 1944 to 11 November 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Twelves contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 10077 (November 1, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Wendell Van Twelves (NSN: 0-283102), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter airplane and Wingman in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15) embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Orote, Guam, on 19 June 1944. While his division was covering the rescue of two Navy pilots, Lieutenant Twelves participated in aerial combat with enemy fighters which attempted to strafe the downed pilots and the rescue planes and, during the ensuing melee, personally shot down two enemy fighters. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.