Navy Federal Credit Union

Delbert Halsey was killed in action during the battle of Midway. His only brother, Private First Class Donald E. Halsey was subsequently killed in fighting in Germany.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    June 4 –, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Delbert Wayne Halsey (NSN: 0-100019), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber 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 June 1942. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Ensign Halsey, 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.