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, Junior Grade Wilfred O. McDowell (NSN: 0-156360), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Honshu, Nanpo Shoto. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 17 February to 20 April 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 82 (VT-82)Division:
U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)Action Date:
February 16, 1945
Commanders 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0250 (March 26, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wilfred O. McDowell (NSN: 0-156360), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on an exceedingly dangerous mission against enemy airfield installations at Hachijo Jima on 16 February 1945. In spite of extremely adverse weather conditions, and in the face of an accurate and intense cross-fire from automatic weapons which damaged his plane and wounded his Radioman, he drove home his attack in such a way as to contribute materially to the success of the mission. The skill and courage he demonstrated in completing the mission and in safely returning his damaged airplane were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 155 (VA-155)Division:
U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23)Action Date:
May 6, 1953
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 16 (August 20, 1953)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Wilfred O. McDowell (NSN: 0-156360), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an attack plane attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE (VA-155), on board the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), in action in Korea on 6 May 1953.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 82 (VT-82)Regiment:
Air Group 82 (AG-82)Division:
U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)Action Date:
April 7, 1945
Commanders 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wilfred O. McDowell (NSN: 0-156360), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in an attack against the strong enemy force off Kyushu on 7 April 1945. As pilot of a carrier based torpedo plane he participated in a five-plane coordinated attack on a Japanese cruiser which was hit by two torpedoes contributing to its later sinking. His attack was made in the face of withering anti-aircraft fire from the entire enemy force. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.