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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Richard Lee Wright, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement in aerial comb at as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), on combat air patrol protecting our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7 May 1942. By perfect timing, Ensign Wright coordinated an attack with his section leader on an enemy Japanese patrol bomber which resulted in the complete destruction in mid-air of the hostile aircraft. The success of this adeptly maneuvered attack, courageously and aggressively delivered, prevented the detection of our forces, thereby contributing to their success in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 19 (July 20, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Richard Lee Wright, 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 THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. During the Battle of Midway Ensign Wright was launched from his carrier and became engaged in an attack upon enemy dive-bombers with fighter escort in an effort to divert the bombing attack from his carrier. With great skill, courage and determination, and despite the greatly superior enemy forces, he repeatedly attacked the enemy planes and personally shot down a Japanese fighter, thus contributing materially to the success of friendly planes in disrupting the dive-bombing attack against the YORKTOWN. In displaying great courage and in showing utter disregard for his personal safety, Ensign Wright acted in every way in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.