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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Victor Svanda (NSN: 0-351105/1317), United States Naval Reserve, 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.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0510 (May 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Victor Svanda (NSN: 0-351105/1317), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in Kure Bay, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Participating in a strike against an enemy Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Svanda plunged through intense anti-aircraft fire to score a direct hit on a hostile battleship and, recovering from his dive at less than 1,500 feet, maneuvered his plane for maximum striking power to strafe enemy small craft and shore installations while making his retirement. By his gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, he contributed to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Victor Svanda (NSN: 0-351105/1317), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 24 March 1945. As pilot of a carrier based dive bomber he took part in an attack on an enemy convoy of seven ships in the East China Sea. Low clouds in the area necessitated attack from a minimum altitude. In the face of anti-aircraft fire and strafing as he approached, he released his bombs on this target, a large enemy merchantman, from an altitude of 200 feet, scoring direct hits on the ship. The vessel was sunk as were the others, as a result of the attack. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.