The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jens C. Aggerbeck, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5358), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 3 December 1942, seven TBF’s under the command of Captain Aggerbeck, took off from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, in a coordinated attack with dive bombers against an enemy task force, composed of two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and six destroyers heading for Guadalcanal. Contact was made at 1830 at a distance of one hundred and fifty miles from our base. Captain Aggerbeck led his attack from eighty-five hundred feet against the leading cruiser. Torpedoes were released about eight hundred yards from the cruiser which had made a ninety degree turn to port. Two hits were scored. Intense anti-aircraft fire and large water spouts, caused by large shells from the enemy ships being fired into the water, made the approach extremely hazardous. Return to base was accomplished after darkness and in extremely bad weather. Great credit is due Captain Aggerbeck for his expert navigating under these circumstances, as he led his planes home. Subsequent reports from coast waters indicate that one large ship sank in plain view and three other large ships were dead in the water and burning fiercely on the morning of the fourth. It is believed that Captain Aggerbeck’s group accounted for one cruiser and either a light cruiser or large destroyer of the TERUTSUKI class.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
January 24 – February 22, 1943
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 Colonel Jens C. Aggerbeck, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5358), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 24 January to 22 February 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Aggerbeck 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
Marine Aircraft Group 12Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
November 11, 1951 – March 31, 1952
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Jens C. Aggerbeck, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5358), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of Marine Aircraft Group TWELVE, in Korea, from 11 November 1951 to 31 March 1952. Lieutenant Colonel Aggerbeck assumed his duties at the time the Group was being moved to a forward air field at Kangnung, Korea. During this period the Group was committed to maximum combat effort although its operations were divided between two airfields. The complicated logistics, communications, operations and administrative problems necessarily resulting, emphasized the need for sound judgment and able supervision. Lieutenant Colonel Aggerbeck’s outstanding leadership and professional competence were of immeasurable value in accomplishing this move in the shortest period of time and with no interruption of the attached squadrons’ efforts against the enemy. Throughout this period, in the absence of the Group Tactical Officer, who was serving as Officer in Charge of the rear echelon, Lieutenant Colonel Aggerbeck was called on to serve in this additional capacity. An extremely competent fighter pilot, he participated in combat missions as often as possible in order to further his knowledge of the tactical situation and aid in coordinating the operations of the two day and one night fighter squadrons. His wise counsel was a constant source of guidance to the squadron commanders and of great assistance to the Group Commander. Throughout this entire period his inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty set an example for all with whom he came in contact, and was in a large measure responsible for the excellence and combat effectiveness of the Group. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Aggerbeck is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)