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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Francis Peter McCarthy (MCSN: 0-6235), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain McCarthy aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Captain McCarthy gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman, in keeping with the highest standards of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Francis Peter McCarthy (MCSN: 0-6235), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in aerial combat with an enemy seaplane near Midway Island on 4 June 1942. During the near approach of an enemy four-engine seaplane to the Island of Midway, Lieutenant McCarthy was the pilot of a fighter plane in a command which was ordered to intercept and destroy the enemy plane. Despite difficult aerial combat conditions because of heavy cloud formations, in which the enemy plane took full advantage of his evasive tactics, Lieutenant McCarthy pressed home his attack in an aggressive and effective manner which contributed to the destruction of the enemy four-engined seaplane. His action throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.