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 LaVier Carl Alber (NSN: 0-125387), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 16 February to 19 April 1944. Lieutenant Alber completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 12 (VF-12)Action Date:
May 17, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade LaVier Carl Alber (NSN: 0-125387), United States Navy, for heroism extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as a Naval Aviator of Fighting Squadron TWELVE (VF-012), during the joint operation of the U.S. and British naval forces in an air attack against the enemy at Soerabaja on the island of Java on 17 May 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alber as the leader of a fighter division escorted our striking group to and from the target. During the attack Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alber covered the approach and retirement of six of the torpedo planes of the air group leading a strafing attack just ahead of the bombers to draw antiaircraft fire away from them. In further determined strafing attacks he set fire to two cargo ships of about 5,000 tons and heavily damaged another of the same size. Docks and warehouses were also heavily damaged as a result of his strafing. Upon retirement from the harbor area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alber’s division heavily strafed a small cargo ship leaving it dead in the water with heavy damage visible topside. During the course of retirement Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alber covered a torpedo plane that had been forced down in the strait, remaining until the crew had been seen to abandon their plane and get into their life raft. During the return to his aircraft carrier Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alber strafed the airfield at Malang. As a result of this attack three single engine planes were left burning and one medium bomber was severely damaged. A hangar which contained an indeterminate number of planes was also left burning. These attacks were pressed home with skill, cool courage and determination in action in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire and with utter disregard of his personal safety. His conduct and devotion to duty throughout this operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.