Emil Bernard Stella

Emil Bernard Stella was an officer in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Biography
Stella was born on December 18, 1914 in Hurley, Wisconsin. Awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, his award citation reads:

''The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Emil Bernard Stella (NSN: 0-104007), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Stella pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.''

Stella died on February 23, 2001.