Donald H. Stapp

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald H. Stapp (0-6843), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Division Leader and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO-HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-222), Marine Air Group TWELVE (MAG-12), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 18 November 1943 to 19 March 1944. Courageously leading his division in the face of intense antiaircraft fire and aerial opposition, Major Stapp boldly participated in a total of ninety-nine strike escorts, strafing missions and fighter sweeps over enemy territory, inflicting severe damage on Japanese aircraft, barges, gun emplacements and shore installations. Flying escort for bombers over Tobera Airfield, New Britain, on 3 February, he shot down one and probably destroyed two other enemy fighters and, maneuvering his plane with determined aggressiveness during a dive-bomber attack against Simpson Harbor, Rabaul, on 17 February, he personally shot two Zeroes from the sky and severely damaged a third. Engaged in a daring fighter sweep over New Britain on 12 March, he succeeded in destroying two Japanese fighter planes and probably a third which were circling Tobera Airfield at approximately three hundred feet altitude. A brilliant airman and leader and a daring fighter, Major Stapp contributed vitally to the success of his squadron throughout these and other extremely hazardous missions and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, South Pacific: Serial 001776 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)