Somerville, Ronald, LT

Best Moment
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Ronald Lee Somerville (NSN: 0-156553), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a carrier-based dive bombing squadron in successful dive bombing attacks against the enemy in the assault and capture of the Gilbert Islands 19 to 22 November 1943, the strike on shipping at Kwajalein Atoll 4 December 1943, the assault and capture of Roi Namur, Marshall Islands on 29 January 1944 to 1 February 1944, and the first carrier aircraft strike at Truk Atoll 16 February 1944. On 19 November, he made a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb on a five-inch gun position of a three gun battery at King's Wharf, Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll. On 4 December 1943 in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb on a medium size cargo ship on the east side of Kwajalein anchorage. The bomb struck on the starboard side amidships sinking the vessel before aircraft left the area. On 29 January 1944, he bombed an ammunition dump on the northwest end of Roi Islands, Kwajalein Atoll starting fires. On 30 January 1944, he scored a bomb hit on the concrete administration building on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll causing material damage. His skill, courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.