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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] John Gust Simbles (NSN: 0-337907/7012216), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN (VT-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 26 March 1945. Boldly intercepting an overwhelming force of Japanese aircraft attacking units of our Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles promptly engaged the enemy in furious combat and, by his relentless determination and indomitable courage, plunged through darkness and withering hostile fire to blast two enemy twin-engined bombers from the sky. His outstanding skill as an airman and brave fighting spirit throughout this period of intense aerial combat were contributing factors in the effective coverage provided our surface units and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 10 (VT-10)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0952 (July 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] John Gust Simbles (NSN: 0-337907/7012216), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN (VT-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands and Ryukyu Islands, on 2 April 1945. Undaunted by grave hazards, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles boldly penetrated enemy territory to execute a daring raid against hostile air and surface forces and, by his relentless determination and indomitable courage, succeeded in blasting a Japanese twin-engined bomber from the sky. His superb skill as an airman, fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout this period of intense aerial activity were contributing factors in the success of our operations in this strategic area, and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles and the United States Naval Service.