Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    August 20, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Atlantic: Serial 3515 (October 4, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Alex X. Brokas, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a United States Navy Torpedo Bomber while engaged in action against an enemy submarine on 20 August 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brokas was on an anti-submarine patrol flight endeavoring to relocate a previously attacked enemy submarine when, flying beneath a complete overcast, he sighted a fully surfaced U-Boat. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire directed at the plane throughout the entire approach for an attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brokas maintained his attack course and in the face of enemy fire launched a combined rocket projectile and depth bomb attack which severely damaged the U-Boat and effectively silenced all anti-aircraft fire. Following the extremely close explosion of the depth bombs the enemy maneuvered in an erratic manner and settled stern first. The badly damaged submarine later succeeded in regaining the surface where it was summarily destroyed by the combined attacks of aircraft at the scene. The vigilance, aggressiveness, and heroism displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brokas in delivering an extremely accurate attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.