Joseph Anthony Doyle, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph Anthony Doyle, Jr., Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron TEN (VT-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Marianas Islands, during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Participating in a daring strike against the main Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Doyle selected an enemy aircraft carrier as his target and fearlessly pressing home his skillful attacks in the face of fierce fighter opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire from surrounding Japanese warships, succeeded ins coring two direct hits on the enemy carrier and caused a terrific explosion, thereby assisting essentially in the probable sinking of the hostile ship. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Doyle contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0247 (July 13, 1944)