Alex Vraciu is an American hero, living legend, and unofficial Ambassador for the United States Navy. Our organization is deeply committed to writing a wrong that can only be summarized as a "clerical error" resulting in the disapproval of a strongly recommended Medal of Honor for the greatest Naval Aviator of a generation. We are working with Congressional Representatives in our home states (Arizona, Texas, Florida, and others), as well as Alex's native Indiana and his current state of residence, California. Our objective is to pass legislation that will set aside the statute of limitations on military awards so that a proper review of Alex's case (WITH THE FULL FACTS FOR THE FIRST TIME) can be undertaken. His case is one that has never been given full review.

  Alex Vraciu is most famously known for his role in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea in World War II ("The Marianas Turkey Shoot") during which he helped save his carrier from air attack by downing six dive bombers in eight minutes (two of these dive bombers were actually in their dives just prior to releasing their bombs when Alex shot them down!). For this action (and a few others) he was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. It was later downgraded to a Navy Cross for reasons that to this day still defy understanding. Numerous pilots were awarded the Navy Cross for the Battle of the Philippine Sea, most of which for participation in the "Mission Beyond Darkness" of 20 June. Alex put his life in jeopardy protecting American dive-bombers by single-handedly engaging six enemy fighters. In the process he managed to score one kill and one probable then stayed back with the slower bombers on the return flight until they ran out of fuel and ditched in the ocean. Of all the men who would eventually receive the Navy Cross Award only one was sent home for propaganda purposes, for it was expected he would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic deeds. Alex Vraciu was the Navy's shining star.

  As fate would have it the vagaries of war interfered with Alex's Medal of Honor nomination. By the time it reached the desk of the Commander of Naval Air Forces Pacific it had been approved by five men (two Admirals and three who would later become Admirals). Sadly, the version that reached the last man on the list was garbled. The Secretary of the Navy was asked to sign off on an award that had been downgraed, with essential details omitted and others in complete error. The award was reduced to a Navy Cross, in effect due to a secretarial mistake!

  A review (with the incorrect version of the nomination) was undertaken in 1947. Two additional Admirals (bringing the total to SEVEN) and one Captain--each aware of the details of the initial, accurate Medal of Honor nomination--all approved strongly of the correction of the Navy Cross to a Medal of Honor. Sadly, the incorrect version was again submitted as a courtesy to the SAME ADMIRAL WHO INITIALLY DISAPPROVED the award. He upheld his original judgment, citing a number of incorrect facts, and the award was again disapproved.

  With these thoughts in mind it seems that the proper course of action is to embark upon a Don Quixote-like campaign to get this corrected. Men like Commander Alex Vraciu are truly "once in a lifetime" individuals. We owe them our respect and gratitude. We also owe them a full and impartial review with every available fact. It is not necessary to lay blame, but rather to correct a mistake.

  Alex is a kind and gracious man, one of immense character and will. His actions during World War II signify the requirements of the Medal of Honor: Intrepidity, Gallantry, and Courage Above and Beyond the Call Of Duty. Alex's Congressional Medal of Honor is long overdue. We hope you will help!!