Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 1 (VB-1)

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1944

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Jerome Kaiser, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), Air Group ONE (AG-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Flying at extreme range from base to participate in a daring strike on a hostile cruiser, Lieutenant Kaiser fought his plane gallantly against enemy intercepting aircraft and, going in low despite the intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, launched a brilliantly executed dive-bombing attack which resulted in the scoring of a direct hit on the enemy warship. With his fuel exhausted, he succeeded in making a safe water landing at night and was later rescued by a friendly destroyer. His great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit in the fulfillment of a hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Kaiser and the United States Naval Service.

Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0439 (August 20, 1944)