David S. McCampbell Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

COMMANDER

DAVID S. McCAMPBELL

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander David S. McCampbell (NSN: 0-72487), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Air Group FIFTEEN (AG-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), and as Target Coordinator for the combined aircraft of three Task Groups, in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Luzon, Philippine Islands, during the battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Commander McCampbell’s coolness, quick thinking, superior judgment and outstanding leadership resulted in the sinking of one medium aircraft carrier, one light cruiser, two destroyers, the heavily damaging of one large aircraft carrier, one small aircraft carrier, two destroyers and the damaging of one battleship. By his outstanding performance not only was the maximum damage inflicted on the enemy but our own losses were kept at a minimum. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Born: Jan. 16, 1910 in Bessemer, Ala…. Graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1933… Is Navy’s top ace of World War II and also the war’s top surviving ace… His nine victories hold the single-sortie record… Earned the Medal of Honor the day before his Navy Cross actions… Also awarded the Silver Star… Retired from active duty as captain in 1964 after 31 years of service… Departed: June 30, 1996… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery… Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85) is named in his honor