Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 47 (VT-47), U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VT-47), attached to the U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), in action against the enemy on 28 July 1945, while deployed over Kure, Japan. As Division Leader and pilot of a carrier based torpedo bomber, Lieutenant Wheeler participated in an attack against units of the enemy fleet in Kure Harbor on the Japan mainland island of Honshu. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft gunfire from fleet units and shore installations, he nevertheless pressed home his attack, scoring a bomb hit on a Japanese heavy cruiser, and contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01880 (September 20, 1945)