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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Downing Chaffe (NSN: 0-278011), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo airplane on an attack on a concentration of enemy shipping in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 12 September 1944. In spite of enemy anti-aircraft fire he so skillfully delivered his attack that he scored direct hits on a medium enemy merchant vessel causing the ship to explode and sink immediately. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Downing Chaffe (NSN: 0-278011), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in operations against a major enemy carrier force in the vicinity of the Northern Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he scored a hit with his torpedo on an enemy carrier, thereby materially contributing to its sinking. His skill and utter disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    July 23 – September 7, 1944

    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, Junior Grade Robert Downing Chaffe (NSN: 0-278011), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 23 July to 7 September 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Chaffee completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.