Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Frederick S. Angstadt (MCSN: 0-4603), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a Marine Transport Squadron from 27 August 1944 to 19 June 1945. Under Lieutenant Colonel Angstadt’s leadership, and as a direct result of his outstanding administrative ability, technical knowledge and personal initiative, the squadron set a record of achievement and safe operations unparalleled in the Naval aviation transport activities in the Pacific Area. Operating from its main base in the Hawaiian Islands, Leyte and Luzon, Philippine Islands, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands both during and after operations against the enemy in those areas. Its records of achievement under his able leadership shows that, in the period cited, it has flown 4,543,591 ton miles, 23,725,749 flights and 2,699,557 nautical miles. His initiations of a continuous overhaul method of airline maintenance which eliminated the necessity for squadrons of its type, resulted in the saving of many precious hours. His performance of duty was a direct and substantial aid to the successful completion of the war in the Pacific, and the exceptional record of the squadron was the result of the unceasing efforts and watchfulness of its commanding officer. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel [then Major]

    Action Date:

    August 23 – September 1, 1942

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 1640 (February 19, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] Frederick S. Angstadt (MCSN: 0-4603), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 23 August to 1 September 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Angstadt, while serving as Pilot of a Marine Transport Plane during the first mass transfer of a squadron of Marine Transport Aircraft from the United States to the South Pacific Area, displayed keen judgment, exceptional skill and superior airmanship despite the great hazards of long over-water flights, lack of weather reports, communication facilities and navigational aids. His determination and devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of the mission and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.