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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Walter Franklin Henry, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. Returning from a scouting mission in his twin-engine scout-bomber, Lieutenant Henry found his ship under attack. Although his airplane was slower and less maneuverable than those of the fighting squadron engaging the enemy aircraft, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Henry intercepted the formation of nine enemy aircraft and succeeded in shooting down one twin-engine bomber. Lieutenant Henry’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 2 (VB-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Walter Franklin Henry, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, Lieutenant Henry, leading a flight of his squadron, dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and released his bomb with calm accuracy. By grim determination and expert appraisal of his objective, he contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his particular squadron and assisted in ultimate destruction of the enemy carrier. His individual action was an important factor in the collective success of those United States Naval forces which engaged in the enemy in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Lieutenant Henry’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.