The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Roy Orestus Hale, Jr (NSN: 0-81325), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Coral Sea, 7 to 8 May 1942. As Pilot of a Scouting Plane during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hale boldly engaged attacking Japanese aircraft in spite of fierce fighter opposition.