Orazio Simonelli

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Orazio Simonelli, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY-5 Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VP-34), in action against enemy Japanese forces at New Ireland in the Bismarck Archipelago on 15 February 1944. Lieutenant Simonelli rescued five airmen who had been forced down by enemy gunfire on during the air attack against Kavieng Harbor, New Ireland. Although his PBY Catalina lost its fighter escort before reaching the downed airmen, Lieutenant Simonelli continued on to his object and the successful rescue, which included several severely injured men. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.