The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Redman Charles Beatley (NSN: 0-263906), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against powerful units of the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea on 24 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based photographic plane he flew over the entire enemy formation and despite intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire obtained photographs which rendered valuable assistance in determining the composition of the enemy force and the damage being done to it by our air attacks. His courage and disregard for his own safety were inspiring and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeAction Date:
September 21, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Redman Charles Beatley (NSN: 0-263906), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 21 September 1944. While flying wing position to the section leader of a division of Fighter planes on a photographic mission over an enemy-held airfield he displayed great skill and disregard of personal safety in his mission of protecting his section leader. Aggressively attacking and driving off enemy planes that sought to break up the formation, he still maintained close contact with his section leader and in at least one instance was responsible for breaking up an enemy formation that outnumbered his leader and himself three-to-one. During the action he shot down one plane, damaged another, and received an assist on a third. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.