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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman Anderson Sterrie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Mariana Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant Sterrie led a flight of planes of his squadron in an attack on Japanese carrier forces which were beyond the safe range limits of his planes. One of his planes was shot down by enemy aircraft while approaching the target. The remaining five planes scored nine direct hits on a large enemy aircraft carrier. He personally scored at least one direct hit. The carrier was left burning and is reported to have sunk that night by the crew of the plane shot down and rescued later. The flight was under intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire of all types and was under continuous aerial attack (even in the dives) for twenty-five minutes, resulting in one plane being shot down by enemy aircraft while his flight shot down one enemy plane. The return flight was made at night with the additional hazard of a night carrier landing with low fuel. Two of his planes had to land in the water due to their being out of fuel. All the personnel were rescued. Lieutenant Sterrie’s courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman Anderson Sterrie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 8 May 1942, in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and concerted enemy fighter opposition, Lieutenant Sterrie closed to within a few hundred yards of the target to execute a fearless and determined attack. Scoring a hit on an enemy aircraft carrier, he thereby contributed to the severe damage and probable destruction of the vessel and aided materially in the success of the operation. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman Anderson Sterrie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Sterrie pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.