The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Michael Stephen Alexatos (NSN: 0-153600), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane assigned to a shipping strike in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands. On 4 July 1944, after rendezvousing at sea, he encountered and attacked a group of enemy ships in the face of strong anti-aircraft fire. He played a major part in the sinking of two and the damaging of a third. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Michael Stephen Alexatos (NSN: 0-153600), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 24 June 1944. While in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, he led his four plane division against superior enemy forces. He displayed remarkable courage and skill in shooting down two and probably a third. In directing his attacks, he was a repeated inspiration to his division because of the persistence and consistency of his performance. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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, Junior Grade Michael Stephen Alexatos (NSN: 0-153600), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane assigned to a flight against the Japanese fleet on 20 June 1944. Upon encountering this fleet, he skillfully and courageously made his bombing and strafing attack in the face of the most intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and under the host hazardous conditions in which he had no assurance that he would have enough gas to return to base. His coolness, skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Michael Stephen Alexatos (NSN: 0-153600), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 12 to 19 July 1944. Lieutenant Alexatos 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.