The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Emil Kemper, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane during action against enemy surface vessels in the vicinity of Formosa on 12 October 1944. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, constant enemy fighter attacks and devastating antiaircraft crossfire, Lieutenant Kemper brought his flight into position to make bombing runs on well-selected targets of strategic importance, securing four destructive hits. In a series of running engagements, the flight also destroyed an enemy fighter plane and damaged others. When one of the planes of his flight burst into flames and descended into the ocean, he immediately turned back and made four attempts to effect rescue. Each time he was driven off by enemy fighters, but in the meantime he succeeded in directing a rescue party to the area. Lieutenant Kernper’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

View Kemper’s Gold Star.