BIO: Captain Stanley Vejtasa (Deceased) WWII DOUBLE ACE Pilot 11 Victories, USS Yorktown (CV-5), USS Enterprise (CV-6), (3) Navy Cross (2nd highest military decoration in the United States Navy), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star. Featured on History Channels “Dogfights” 

The biography above does not do justice to Captain Stanley Vejtasa’s remarkable heroic actions for which he received (3) Navy Crosses during WWII. Please view the link to the clip below from History Channel’s “Dog Fights” that recreated Captain Stanle Vejtasa military experiences which starts at one minute 1:42 seconds into the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXWG9kcc0RQ

If you are not familiar with Mr. Vejtasa accomplishments during WWII please read his three Navy Cross Citations:

1st Navy Cross Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Salamaua and Lae, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa dived and skillfully attacked one of three Japanese aircraft tenders or transports and obtained a direct hit on one of the hostile vessels. By his superb airmanship and outstanding courage he contributed to the destruction of the three enemy ships and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2nd Navy Cross Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa participated in dive bombing attacks on the enemy in Tulagi Harbor which resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy vessels. On 7 May, he took part in a dive bombing attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea which resulted in the sinking of that vessel. On 8 May, while on anti-Torpedo Plane patrol, he engaged enemy bombing and Torpedo Planes heavily supported by fighters which attacked our forces. The attacks on 4 and 7 May were pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire with no regard for personal safety. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vejtasa's conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3rd Navy Cross Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Stanley Winfield Vejtasa, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and leader of a Combat Air patrol of four fighters of Fighting Squadron TEN (VF-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval and air forces near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. As great numbers of enemy dive bombers and Torpedo Planes launched a vicious attack upon his carrier, Lieutenant Vejtasa unhesitatingly challenged and shot down two Japanese dive bombers and then gallantly led his patrol in an attack on a group of enemy Torpedo Planes with such daring aggressiveness that the formation was completely broken and three of the hostile bombers jettisoned their torpedoes as they fled. Lieutenant Vejtasa then personally shot down five of the remaining Japanese planes, making a total of seven enemy aircraft destroyed in a single flight. His superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. 

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED 8x10 PHOTOGRAPH THAT HAS BEEN JSA AUTHENTICATION COA. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you will receive the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same signed 8x10 photograph that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. PLEASE NOTE this 8x10 photograph was printed and then autographed in the late 1990's or early 2000's. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.