The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard Taylor Eastmond (NSN: 0-11416), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based plane in Fighting Squadron ONE (VF-1), embarked in U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, 3 July 1944. Leading a four-plane division in a daring attack on the enemy, Lieutenant Eastmond encountered a large group of enemy planes and shot down two and probably destroyed a third enemy fighter. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 1 (VF-1)Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)Action Date:
June 19, 1944
Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0439 (August 20, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Taylor Eastmond (NSN: 0-11416), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ONE (VF-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 19 June 1944, while deployed over the Mariana Islands during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea. Leading his division in the interception of a superior number of enemy aircraft that were attempting to strike to strike at our warships, Lieutenant Eastmond pressed home a determined attack against these hostile planes and personally shot down four Japanese aircraft. His gallant fighting spirit, superb airmanship and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.