Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1), U.S. Navy (Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1), U.S. Navy)

Awarded on:

May 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron ONE (VC-1), embarked from the U.S.S. CARD (CVE-11), during an attack on two enemy submarines near the Flores Islands in the North Atlantic, on 7 August 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sallenger, though unaided by support from other aircraft and while under intense anti-aircraft fire from both surfaced enemy submarines which he had sighted, made an exceptionally accurate depth-bombing attack, leaving one submarine badly damaged and smoking heavily. After making his first attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sallenger remained in the vicinity of the submarines to direct relief planes to the scene. As the one undamaged U-boat began to submerge, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sallenger immediately made a second attack which necessitated an approach at reduced speed close aboard to and through the heavy screen of antiaircraft fire put up by the damaged submarine. Despite the difficulty of his approach, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sallenger reached a favorable release point and attacked the now submerged second submarine. On completion of this second attack, with all depth bombs expended, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sallenger remained in close proximity to the damaged submarine until relief planes arrived and completed its destruction. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Information Bulletin No. 326, Bureau of Naval Personnel (May 1944).