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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 Norman David Champlin (NSN: 0-114848), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier based torpedo bomber plane on 4 and 5 August 1944 in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands in the Central Pacific. On 4 August 1944, he led a division in an aerial torpedo attack against enemy fleet units and merchant shipping. In the face of extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully maneuvered his plane to a dangerously close range and obtained a direct hit with his torpedo upon a large Japanese cargo vessel, which was later observed to sink. On 5 August 1944, he led a division in a glide bombing attack against a concentration of Japanese landing craft, barges, and luggers scoring direct hits on his objective. His excellent leadership contributed materially to the destruction of many important enemy ships. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 13 (VT-13)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)

    Action Date:

    October 12, 18 & 19, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01024 (January 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Norman David Champlin (NSN: 0-114848), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in leading aerial flights as Pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane. On 12, 18 and 19 October 1944, he skillfully led aerial torpedo and mast head bombing attacks on enemy shipping in the Formosa – Philippine Islands area. He personally scored three direct hits on merchant ships, his flights accounting for at least eight ships sunk. His gallant leadership through vicious enemy fighter interception and intense anti-aircraft fire were outstanding. His ability to inspire men and his 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 13 (VT-13)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)

    Action Date:

    February 3 – March 10, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001929 (September 25, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Norman David Champlin (NSN: 0-114848), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Champlin participated in aerial combat (torpedo bombers) from Henderson Field from 3 February to 10 March 1943, and gain from 5 June to 25 July 1943, during which time he participated in twenty-three combat missions against enemy ships and bases, in which opposition was encountered, in the central Solomons area, including one daylight flight against enemy ships in the Kahili area and three night flights against enemy shipping in the Kahili area. He participated in an attack on the “Tokyo Express” on 4 February 1943 and made a direct hit on an enemy seaplane tender on 22 July 1943, off Bougainville.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 13 (VT-13)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0747 (January 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman David Champlin (NSN: 0-114848), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Bomber Plane in Torpedo Squadron THIRTEEN (VT-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944, in the Philippine Islands. In the face of heavy and very accurate naval anti-aircraft fire, he led his flight in an aerial glide bombing attack against units of an enemy fleet, and scored a direct hit on an enemy carrier, which was later observed to sink. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.