Emil Bernard Stella
Encyclopedia
Emil Bernard Stella was an officer in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
.
. Awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
, his award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Emil Bernard Stella (NSN: 0-104007), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to 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. Lieutenant Stella pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Stella died on February 23, 2001.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly known as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.It was fought in waters...
.
Biography
Stella was born on December 18, 1914 in Hurley, WisconsinHurley, Wisconsin
Hurley is a city in and the county seat of Iron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,818 at the 2000 census. It is directly across the Montreal River from Ironwood, Michigan.-History:...
. Awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly known as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.It was fought in waters...
, his award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Emil Bernard Stella (NSN: 0-104007), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to 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. Lieutenant Stella pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Stella died on February 23, 2001.