Leroy Coard Simpler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to LeRoy Coard Simpler, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period 11 September 1942 through 6 October 1942. Lieutenant Commander Simpler led his fighter squadron against overwhelming formations of enemy Japanese aircraft in the Solomon Islands area, thereby contributing to the destruction of 17 Japanese planes, and personally shooting down one Zero-type fighter. His squadron accounted for a total of 35 enemy planes during service in the area from 11 September to 6 October 1942. Lieutenant Commander Simpler’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)