The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John William Healy (NSN: 0-486199), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot of an Attack Aircraft in Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE (VA-55), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during action against the enemy in North Korea on 23 November 1952. Flying on an assigned mission over unfamiliar terrain in search of a downed pilot, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Healey boldly exposed himself to intense enemy anti-aircraft fire for over an hour in an attempt to locate his missing comrade. Determined to accomplish his task, he made a low-level pass over what he thought to be the missing plane, and sacrificed his life when he was caught in an accurate enemy cross-fire. His devotion to a shipmate and his heroic actions in the face of devastating enemy fire serves as an inspiration to us all. His courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.