Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Pilot, Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8), USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHT (VB-8), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during the attack on the Japanese Battle Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Pilcher pressed home his attack against a 15,000-ton enemy aircraft carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers, including battleship main strong aerial opposition. Despite damage sustained by his aircraft in the attack dive, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Pilcher with great skill and conspicuous courage obtained direct bomb hits on the target, aiding in its probably destruction. Throughout this operation, which was made beyond the known combat radius of the type aircraft he was flying, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Pilcher conducted himself with complete disregard for his personal safety, and he materially contributed to the success of the operation. His conduct throughout the operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

General Order Commander Fast Carrier Task force: Serial 0279 (August 3, 1944).