Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and strong fighter opposition, Lieutenant Steffenhagen pressed home an attack against an enemy aircraft carrier to within the dangerously short range of a few hundred yards of the target. He was able to score a hit on the enemy ship by utter disregard for his own safety and determination in carrying out his mission. Contributing to the destruction of the enemy carrier and to the success of our forces in the Coral Sea Battle, he conducted himself on this occasion in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 14 (June 28, 1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

July 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea when on 10 March 1942, he flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack against enemy ships, and, as a result of this attack, three enemy ships were sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 86 (VT-86), U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

April 21st, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane ad Leader of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VT-86), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in an attack on the enemy Fleet in the harbor of the Naval Base at Kure, Japan, on 19 March 1945. He skillfully and courageously led his squadron in the attack against the enemy Fleet in which not less than eight hits were scored on major units of the Fleet, including a battleship, an aircraft carrier and a cruiser. During the action, he carefully and deliberately piloted his aircraft in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, in an attack on an enemy aircraft carrier, dropping four 500-pound bombs, in train, scoring two direct hits. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Navy Cross received in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0398 (April 21, 1945).