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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald F. Helm (NSN: 0-112585), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. He pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0950 (January 15, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald F. Helm (NSN: 0-112585), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.