The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Harold Emanuel Vita (NSN: 0-106721), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Division Leader in Fighting Squadron TWELVE (VF-12), embarked in U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), during an eight-plane fighter sweep against enemy airfields on Tokuno and Kikai on 17 April 1945. He led his Division in successive strafing attacks damaging one aircraft on the ground. En route to another field the flight intercepted fourteen enemy fighters. During the melee that ensured he was attacked by two enemy fighters but continued his determined attacks and succeeded in shooting down three of the enemy fighters in flames with no damage to his own aircraft. His courage and disregard for his personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Batallion:
Fighting Squadron 12 (VF-12)Division:
U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)Action Date:
February 17, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Harold Emanuel Vita (NSN: 0-106721), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron TWELVE (VF-12), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area on 17 February 1945. Leading his group in a fighter sweep against enemy aircraft and ground installations, Lieutenant Commander Vita shot down an attacking enemy plane and, despite hazardous weather conditions, succeeded in setting fire to an enemy hangar and in inflicting severe damage upon a freight train. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)Division:
U.S.S. Ranger (CV-4)Action Date:
November 8 – , 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harold Emanuel Vita (NSN: 0-106721), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Pilot of a plane in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), embarked in the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 November 1942 to 11 November 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vita participated in the attack on Rabat Airdrome in which seven hostile planes were destroyed on the ground. Later in the day he participated in a flight supporting landing operations ashore in the vicinity of Port Lyautey. He also participated in a third flight on 8 November 1942, which silenced and anti-aircraft battery near El Hank. On 9 November 1942, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vita participated in a flight which destroyed many hostile vehicles and artillery units. The courage and airmanship displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vita in the actions described are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 12 (VF-12)Division:
U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)Action Date:
February 16 – May 25, 1945
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 Harold Emanuel Vita (NSN: 0-106721), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron TWELVE (VF-12), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Japanese Empire and adjacent Island chains. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February 1945 to 25 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.