Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 14 (VB-14), U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

September 27th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FOURTEEN (VB-14), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Amussen's attack against an enemy fleet oiler was pressed home to a low altitude with determination and skill in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. He scored direct hits with his bombs and contributed heavily to the destruction of the enemy ship. During retirement his excellent airmanship and coolness were instrumental in frustrating enemy fighters which made repeated attacks against his division. While returning to his own forces, his fuel exhausted, he was forced to make a water landing in complete darkness. Both he and his aircrewman escaped injury and were eventually rescued. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0583

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 14 (VB-14), U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1944

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based scout bomber plane on 4 July 1944. While conducting a long range search in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, he located three enemy destroyers. After reporting their position to his ship, he conducted a low dive bombing attack on one of the enemy warships, damaging it with his bombs. This attack was carried out in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and with the support of only one escorting fighter. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 14 (VB-14), U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1944

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter bomber airplane on an attack mission against units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 September 1944. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit on an enemy destroyer escort vessel, which sand, and assisted, by strafing, in the sinking of an enemy torpedo boat and in the probably sinking of an enemy torpedo boat and in the probable sinking of a large fleet mine layer. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second DFC received as first gold star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 14 (VB-14), U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1944

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, Strike/Flight award, for the period 20 July 1944 to 26 July 1944. On 20 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed an enemy troop area on Guam. On 21 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed gun positions on Guam. On 22 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed enemy troop positions at Agana, Guam. On 26 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed enemy positions on the Palau Islands."

Third DFC received as second gold star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With 1 silver & 1 bronze campaign star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)