Navy Federal Credit Union

Gerald Boyle became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 5.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was killed in a Flying Accident on October 13, 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 21 (VF-21)

    Action Date:

    June 30, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gerald F. Boyle (NSN: 0-125793), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On the afternoon of 30 June 1943, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyle of Fighting Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VF-21), was a member of a four plane division of F-4F’s sent to Rendova Island to intercept an enemy attack on our shipping. While flying at seven thousand feet, his division sighted enemy bombers and immediately dove in the attack. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyle got an enemy bomber in his sights, and with one burst of fire at extremely close range, sent the aircraft down in flames. Pulling up from this attack, he got a full deflection shot at a Zero which burst into flames directly behind the cockpit and crashed. Still another Zero was shot down by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyle when the enemy fighter was blasted to bits off the tail of another F-4F. From 21 June 1943 through 17 July 1943, he has been on twenty-two combat missions for a total of eighty-five hours.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Gerald Francis Boyle (NSN: 0-125793), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in a carrier-based fighter plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), assigned to a search mission 24 October 1944, against enemy surface force units. In spite of a heavy concentration of enemy anti-aircraft and vicious airborne opposition he skillfully pressed home his attack on an enemy cruiser on 24 October 1944, thereby contributing to its destruction. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.