Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander [then Lieutenant] Francis J. Sauer, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Leader of a group in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5) embarked in U.S.S. YORKTOWN, over Truk, in April 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 3 (VS-3)

    Action Date:

    September 13 – October 14, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis J. Sauer, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . As a pilot of Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), from 13 September 1942 to 14 October 1942, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sauer participated in skillful and determined attacks on four heavy cruisers, six light cruisers, 38 destroyers, and six transports in addition to destructive raids on Rekata Bay and Viru Harbor.