James H. Flatley, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James H. Flatley, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Executive Officer of Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against Japanese forces on 7 and 8 May 1942, during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. Lieutenant Commander Flatley’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.