Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harley
Eugene
Talkington
August 19, 1909

–

April 1, 1984

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Chief Ordnanceman

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Harley Eugene Talkington, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-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 when on 10 March 1942, he flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack against enemy ships, and, as a result of this attack, three enemy ships were 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.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Chief Ordnanceman

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    May 7, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Harley Eugene Talkington, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea, on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, Gunner Talkington pressed home an attack against an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier to within the perilously short range of a few hundred yards of his target. By complete disregard for his own personal safety and resolute purpose in carrying out his mission, he was able to score a hit on the enemy carrier, thereby contributing to the destruction of that vessel and to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. His conduct on this occasion in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.