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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Harlan Stickell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VB-108), during action over the Marshall and Gilbert Islands on 1 December 1943. Lieutenant Stickell was suddenly attacked by six Japanese planes. He destroyed two of the attacking planes and crippled another with only slight damage to his own, then continued on his patrol and successfully completed his vital mission.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 108 (VB-108)

    Action Date:

    December 12, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 329 (August 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Harlan Stickell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PB4Y Patrol Plane of Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VB-108), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Marshall Islands on 12 December 1943. Lieutenant Stickell volunteered to participate in a hazardous two-plane bombing strike against an underground oil storage at Jabor, Jaluit Atoll. Although seriously wounded en route while destroying numerous hostile installation, he continued to his target where he scored a direct hit upon Japanese oil storage before his injuries forced him to relinquish the controls. Knowing of the danger to his plane and crew in attempting to land on the narrow runway at Tarawa, he directed his copilot to proceed to another base several hundred miles away, stoically enduring the intense pain of his wounds which later proved fatal. Lieutenant Stickell’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.