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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.