Merle Howard Gorder

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Merle Howard Gorder, Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], 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 TWO (VT-2), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Marianas Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Flying beyond the normal combat range of his airplane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gorder carried out a damaging bombing attack and scored a direct hit to damage a large enemy carrier and contribute to the success of the mission. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gorder upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.