James Ernest Sipprell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to James Ernest Sipprell, 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 in Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during offensive air operations against enemy shipping on 5 November 1944, in Manila Bay on the Island of Luzon, of the Philippine Group. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Ernest Sipprell, 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 NINETEEN (VT-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. Courageous and skillful in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous fire from hostile anti-aircraft batteries, he boldly pressed home his attack. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.