Henry Vincent Bonzagni, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Henry Vincent Bonzagni, Jr. (0-11500), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane, while leading a division of fighter aircraft against the enemy during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Bonzagni successfully led his division on two strike missions and in cooperation with bombing and Torpedo Planes inflicted heavy damage on major units of the enemy fleet. He personally strafed an aircraft carrier which was left in a burning and sinking condition. This was accomplished through intense anti-aircraft fire. Again the same day he led his division in a strafing and bombing attack against an enemy battleship. He led his fighters in extended strafing attacks on nearby enemy cruisers and destroyers which were greatly hindering our bomber and torpedo aircraft by their concentrated anti-aircraft barrage. 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 07806 (October 30, 1944)