Donald Francis Banker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Donald Francis Banker (0-085095), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Squadron Commander in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during offensive air operations against enemy Japanese forces in Manila Harbor, Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. Lieutenant Commander Banker led his flight in a vigorous, intensive attack against the Japanese fleet units. In bold defiance of the enemy’s fierce aerial opposition, he plunged through withering antiaircraft fire to press home his attack. Accurately releasing his bomb load at perilously low altitude, he succeeded in scoring a direct hit on an enemy heavy cruiser which contributed materially to her destruction before his plane was shot down as he pulled out of his dive. Lieutenant Commander Banker’s superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and extreme courage in the face of tremendous odds during this and numerous other brilliantly executed strikes were essential factors in the extensive and costly damage inflicted on hostile shipping, shore installations and aircraft in the Pacific War Area. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Banker throughout these actions reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Donald Francis Banker (0-085095), Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber and Flight Leader in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Skillfully directing his group in a strike against a large Japanese aircraft carrier and other surface units, Lieutenant Commander Banker boldly dived through the intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition and expertly maneuvered his planes at low altitude to score a direct hit on a carrier, contributing materially to her ultimate sinking. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Commander Banker was instrumental in inflicting extensive damage upon the Japanese Fleet during the battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty throughout a period of decisive activity reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0765 (October 30, 1944)