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 Ensign Richard Franklin Neely (NSN: 0-84288), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-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 and 8 May 1942. On 7 May Ensign Neely participated in a dive bombing attack on an enemy carrier, and contributed to its destruction. On 8 May, as member of the anti-torpedo plane patrol, he repeatedly attacked with great determination, the attacking enemy planes. His courageous attacks, made in the face of heavy enemy fighter opposition, resulted in the destruction of two enemy aircraft. Ensign Neely’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Richard Franklin Neely (NSN: 0-84288), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Neely participated in a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.