CITATION ISSUED TO A HIGHLY DECORATED NAVAL AVIATOR FOR THE ACTION DURING WHICH HE ATTAINED ACE-STATUS

Temporary citation presenting the Gold Star in lieu of a third Distinguished Flying Cross, signed by Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy, M.A. Mitscher (1887-1947) and issued to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (1917-1995), USN. N.p., n.d. [ca 1944-1945]. 1p, X x X in.

Citation reads: "In the name of the President of the United States, The Commander, First Carrier Task Force, United States Pacific Fleet, takes pleasure in presenting the GOLD STAR in lieu of a third DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN DUNCAN UNITED STATES NAVY for services as set forth in the following..."

"For distinguishing himself by heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight against the enemy over the Central Philippines on 12 September 1944. As pilot of a carrier based fighter airplane he, although greatly outnumbered, attacked and destroyed two, probably destroyed a third, airborne enemy fighter airplanes in aerial combat and contributed materially to the total destruction of twenty-one others. During this same flight he repeatedly pressed home vigorous strafing attacks against enemy aircraft on the ground, destroying four by burning, even though he was confronted by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. His heroism, courage, coolness and great skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Additional typed note at bottom reads: "Medals are at present unavailable in the combat area. The Secretary of the Navy has been requested to forward medals, when available, to recipients of awards."

George Duncan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, class of 1939. He became a World War II Navy Double Ace, credited with shooting down 13.5 enemy aircraft in ariel combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain, having been awarded the Nacy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver star and one gold star, and an Air Medal. Marc Andrew "Pete" Mitscher was a pioneer in naval aviation who became an admiral in the United States Navy, and served as commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force in the Pacific during the latter half of World War II.

[World War II, WWII, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Adolf Hitler, Axis, Allied, George S. Patton, Air Force, Navy, Naval History, War in the Pacific] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] 

Double file punch holes at top center, light soil, small loss where staple removed.