Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83), U.S.S. Essex (CV-9), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr. (NSN: 0-326457), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane on a fighter sweep in the vicinity of the Islands of Kyushu on 19 March 1945. During these flights he attacked a group of six enemy fighters and in the action shot two of them down. His skill and courage in pressing home an attack against superior numbers was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


Action Date: March 19, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83), U.S.S. Essex (CV-9), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"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 Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr. (NSN: 0-326457), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu and Okinawa. As pilot of a carrier-based aircraft during the period 23 March 1945 to 12 May 1945 he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Action Date: March 23 - May 12, 1945
Second DFC awarded as a Gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (j.g.)

Unit:

Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83), U.S.S. Essex (CV-9), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

July 6th, 1945

Citation:
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Samuel Joseph Brocato, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as pilot of a carrier-based Navy fighter plane and wingman on the leader of two fighter planes in Fighting Squadron eighty-three (VF-83), embarked from the U.S.S. Essex (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. Maintaining a vigorous combat air patrol over our Task Force operating in this dangerous area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brocato initiated an attack against nine hostile fighter planes and personally succeeded in destroying four of them. By his gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty in the face of greatly superior numbers, he contributed materially to the success of our operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commandant 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific. Serial 0960 (6 juli, 1945)