Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard Halsey Best (NSN: 0-71601), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Division Leader in Plane 6-B-10. Lieutenant Commander Best executed several dive bombing attacks on enemy ships in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1942, which resulted in severe damage to a large enemy transport and another cargo ship. Later this same day, Lieutenant Best, after beating off several attacks by enemy fighters which left his plane riddled with bullets, obtained a direct hit on an enemy hangar and remained after the original attack to strafe and ensure its complete destruction. His courage and actions on these occasions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 3144 (August 7, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard Halsey Best (NSN: 0-71601), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Squadron Commander in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant Commander Best, with bold determination and courageous zeal, led his squadron in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.