Leonard Emil Ewoldt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Leonard Emil Ewoldt, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron FIVE (VT-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in offensive action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942. Lieutenant Ewoldt’s spirit of determination and persistence while participating in these attacks in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, contributed to the sinking or severe damaging of at lease eight enemy Japanese vessels. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ewoldt’s airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)