(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Thomas R. Stapleton, 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 Pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane in aerial operations against the enemy over the Island of Kyushu, on 5 April 1945.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Thomas R. Stapleton, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane in aerial operations against the enemy during World War II.