Navy Federal Credit Union

Kenneth Sanger graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Patrol-Bombing Squadron 54 (VPB-54)

    Action Date:

    December 26 – 27, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03042 (May 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Kenneth John Sanger (NSN: 0-75078), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action on the night of 26 – 27 December 1944, as Commander of a Catalina Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VPB-54). Commander Sanger located an enemy combatant Task Force, making a low level attack on a large cruiser, despite heavy anti-aircraft fire from other ships of the force. He obtained a hit with a bomb on the bow of the cruiser and three near misses. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Patrol-Bombing Squadron 54 (VPB-54)

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1944 – February 14, 1945

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03198 (May 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Kenneth John Sanger (NSN: 0-75078), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. As Commanding Officer of Patrol Bombing Squadron FIVTY-FOUR (VPB-54) operating Air-Sea Rescue and Evacuation flights in the Philippine Islands from 23 December 1944 to 14 February 1945, Commander Sanger rescued forty-six Army, Navy and Philippine personnel. On 28 January 1945, while flying as Commander of a Catalina patrol bomber aircraft, he landed in heavy swells and a thirty know wind near Laoag on the Northwest Coast of Luzon, to rescue two badly injured crew members of another aircraft which had been shot down. In the rough seas and heavy wind they became separated and it was only by Commander Sanger’s skill and determination in maneuvering the heavy plane that it was possible to save these two men. On 11 February 1945 he carried out a very dangerous open-sea landing to effect the rescue of thirteen persons who otherwise would have been lost. He accomplished the take-off with twenty persons aboard his plane when its nose and cockpit were momentarily submerged. He further accomplished two other landings in treacherous water at Dibut Bay and Masanga River on the East Coast of Luzon. Commander Sanger’s leadership, courage and professional skill were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.